It’s frustrating to see people abusing facilities meant for disabled people (OKU). Many have exposed these culprits for their crimes on social media but sadly in some cases, the wrongdoers weren’t really penalised.
As citizens, it is also our responsibility to confront these inconsiderate people for misusing the OKU facilities but unless you hold a position of authority, these confrontations don’t always end well. This TikToker decided to conduct a social experiment to expose shoppers who were caught illegally parking at OKU parking spaces in a mall’s parking lot.
@ioimallpuchong What are your thoughts on OKU parking usage? A social experiment in IOI City Mall, in collaboration with @zacharychiah IOICityMall IOIMallPuchong IOIMalls SocialExperiment
In collaboration with IOI Mall Puchong, Zachary Chiah posted a TikTok video of him conducting a social experiment with the aim of creating awareness of the misuse of OKU parking spots at the mall’s parking lot. The first 19 minutes of the experiment showed able-bodied shoppers still respecting the space apart from one stroller user. Moments later, one couple showed up and parked at the OKU slot in front of one of the entrances.
The TikToker then confronted the driver and asked him to present an OKU certification as proof. However, the couple walked away from the confrontation, ignoring the influencer. Another couple were seen committing the same act and again, the content creator asked them to move their car but they too, ignored him. The inconsiderate shoppers got back into their vehicles and left the mall after 40+ minutes.
The video has since gone viral and was reposted on Twitter by user @anthraxxx781 where netizens slammed the shoppers for abusing the OKU parking spaces. Many urged that Zachary and IOI expose the shoppers’ faces and plate numbers to shame them while others suggested that security should clamp the cars if they fail to provide any certifications of their disabilities.
Some netizens criticised IOI Mall Puchong for allowing such things to happen while on their watch. The company replied, “We do have security presence to take the necessary actions when needed. The video aims to bring awareness and educate people about the misuse of OKU facilities in the community. Hence, we call for everyone to join the effort to ensure the facilities are not misused and have a pleasant experience in IOI Malls”.
Despite the explanation, netizens insisted that the mall should’ve taken action and not let the OKU space be occupied for 40+ minutes by the common folks. While we do appreciate the intention, we agree that the message would still stand if IOI management actually did something to punish shoppers for abusing the OKU parking spaces in the video.
