The Importance of Accessibility For Elderly and Disabled People at Mosque - Case Study at Mosques Around Tanjung Surat, Johor Darul Takzim
The Importance of Accessibility For Elderly and Disabled People at Mosque - Case Study at Mosques Around Tanjung Surat, Johor Darul Takzim
The Importance of Accessibility For Elderly and Disabled People at Mosque - Case Study at Mosques Around Tanjung Surat, Johor Darul Takzim
This report has been submitted to the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture,
Prepared by:
Year/Semester : 04/08
1
Faculty : Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this research paper and the research to which it refers are the product of
my own work and that any ideas or quotations from the work of other people, published or
otherwise are fully acknowledged in accordance with the standard academic practices.
_________________________ ___________________
_________________________ ___________________
2
3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Assalamualaikum w.b.t,
First and foremost, many compliments are proceed to the Most Merciful and Most
Gracious, Allah S.W.T for this given opportunities in completing this research paper. Neither
Sufian,Bin Che Amat, for her supportive encouragement and guidance. Huge thanks to my
supportive supervisor, En. Farid Al Hakeem Bin Yuserrie, for being abundantly helpful and
offered me an endless support, guidance and invaluable assistance. I appreciate the guidance
given by other supervisor as well as the panels especially in my research presentation that has
Other than that, I would like to express my special gratitude to Ar.Haji Mohammad
Mokhtar Bin Haji Ali, whose contribution in simulating suggestion and encouragement
helped me to coordinate my project especially in writing this report. I would like to express
4
Not to forget, I would also like to thank my beloved parent, Pn. Fauziah Binti Ahmad
for always being so understanding and supportive. Last but not least, a special thanks to all of
my course members, who always been there to assist in gathering information and discussion.
Thank you.
5
ABSTRACT
This study aims to examine the importance of accessibility for elderly and disabled
person in mosque at Tanjung Surat, Johor Darul Takzim, 12 respondents who are the residents
of Tanjung Surat, Johor Darul Takzim were to give their opinion on accessibility for elderly
and disabled person in mosque. Questionnaires were used for the data collections process.
The multiple regression analysis shows that 97.12 percent of the respondents believe that the
mosque have poor accessibility. Results also provided in empirical proofs fit the moderation
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Number
VERFICATION i
DECLARATION ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii
ABSTRACT iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS v
LIST OF FIGURES vi
2.1 Introduction 6
3.1 Introduction 12
3.4 Summary 13
8
4.1 Introduction 15
4.4 Summary 26
5.1 Conclusion 27
REFERENCES 28
LIST OF FIGURE
9
Page Number
Figure 3 : The number of respondents who gives their opinion about the
statement based on the provided answer for Question 1 18
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CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION
This research is carried out to study the importance accessibility for the elderly and
disabled person in mosque. Mosque is known as the spiritual sanctuary for Muslims, acting as
a centre for worship, religious activity centre, teaching and learning of Al-Quran, Hadith and
Sunnah as well as organizing public events and seminars such as talks and weddings.
Muslims are encouraged to attend congregational prayers at all five praying times and to
{17} It is not for the Mushrikn (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the
Oneness of Allh), to maintain the Mosques of Allh (i.e. to pray and worship Allh therein,
to look after their cleanliness and their building, etc.), while they witness against their
ownselves of disbelief. The works of such are in vain and in Fire shall they abide. {18} The
Mosques of Allh shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allh and the Last Day;
perform As-Salt (Iqmat-as-Salt), and give Zakt and fear none but Allh. It is they who
1
Al-Quran translation. (2013). Retrieved 25th Oct, 2013, from
http://www.iium.edu.my/deed/quran/nobelquran/index_t.html
11
{107}And as for those who put up a mosque by way of harming and disbelief, and to
disunite the believers, and as an outpost for those who warred against Allh and His
Messenger (Muhammad SAW) aforetime, they will indeed swear that their intention is
nothing but good. Allh bears witness that they are certainly liars.
According to (NST, July 2013), Mosque and Surau has been among popular building
typology and facility that are often visited by the Muslim Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
and the elderly other than the general public, as Mosque and Surau remained as a place of
worship for devoted Muslims to perform the five daily prayers. In an article reported by
Bernama, the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, insisted that all
new buildings to be equipped with a surau and also said that some building owners provide
prayer room merely to meet the criteria for building approval. Furthermore, Tuanku Syed
Faizuddin added that the prayer room should have a place for ablution, adequate lighting,
fans or air-conditioning, facilities for the disabled and segregation area for both men and
women.3 It is further state in the Qur'an and also in Hadith 36; about the significance of
12
{8} O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allh and be just witnesses and let not
the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and
Abu Hurayrah (radi Allahu anhu) reported: The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa
sallam) said, I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for
cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims.
If mosques are made accessible, it is not only the disabled who will enjoy the
facilities, but also the elderly and the sick. As the Prophet said, "you are given sustenance and
victory for the virtue of those who are weak among you". A simple lift at the entrance of the
mosque or a handrail in the ablution area, could make all the difference between a mosque
that is inclusive and caters for all, and one that excludes some of its worshippers by virtue of
careless planning.
http://www.iium.edu.my/deed/quran/nobelquran/index_t.html
13
As someone with a disability, and a carer for a disabled person, have long been bothered by
the lack of facilities for the disabled in mosques. Many mosques design:
This study will discover the opinion of the residents Tanjung Surat, Johor on
accessibility for the elderly and disabled person in mosque. The findings will be determined
by some surveys and several methodologies. The residents were to answer the questions in
the survey.
When being asked about the accessibility for the elderly and disabled person in
mosque, most residents have different answers as accessibility is difference for every
mosque, depending on their design and concept, type of space planning and the scale and
14
Rokiah A., (personal communication, 25 October, 2016) stated that it is difficult to
go to the ablutions caused much of a place of worship for not being able to walk long
distances.7 The complaint was supported by Ahmad Y., (personal communication, October
28, 2016) who says that using wheelchair it is dissicult to enter the mosque because too
many steps stair and will ask for the help of others. 8 Hence, this study will attempt to
identify the accessibility for the elderly and disabled person in mosque at Tanjung Surat
The purpose of the study is to discover the importance accessibility for elderly and
Tanjung Surat, Johor, and also to help improving the quality of space in mosque.
7
Rokiah Ibrahim, personal interview, 25 October, 2016)
8
Ahmad Yaacob, personal interview, October 28, 2016)
15
1.4 AIM AND OBJECTIVE
The aim for this study is to determine the accessibility for the elderly and disabled
person in mosque at Tanjung Surat, Johor. Hence, the followings objectives are to be
achieved:
Surat, Johor.
ii. To find out the effect on the elderly and disabled person for accessibility in
mosque.
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CHAPTER TWO : LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter will state the issues that have been debated regarding the accessibility for
the elderly and disabled person in mosque. Various intellectual contexts were found in books,
articles journals and the past thesis or dissertations are included. Then, the intention of this
study will be described in this chapter, thus clarify the accessibility for the elderly and
When discussing about the accessibility, there will never be definite answer to the
design requirement, design guidelines, scale and also function but it is according to the
architects in implementing good design practice and it is also even better when architects
apply a design for all concept. The accessibility is important to be provided for all Muslim
regardless of ability or disability to pray at Masjid comfortably and safe. From Islamic
perspective, providing accessibility and applying Universal Design principal in Masjid design
in considering the need to provide for Persons with Disabilities (Persons with Disabilities
17
(PwDs)) and the elderly has deliberately making Masjid a place of ease and convenient for all
Malaysia, set of Malaysia Standard has been developed as a guide-line for the developer and
designer to build public facilities which can be accessible by the vulnerable group such as
elderly and disabled population to provide design specification such as height of ramp and
handrail, slope of ramp and finishing material. Therefore, it is necessary for praying facilities
designer to promote an adequate environment for the elderly and disabled, considering their
Even though ablutions space is considered as one of the important public facilities
especially in country with high Muslim population, there are numbers of design guideline for
mosque but still lacking in guideline, research or document specifically on ablution area. 10 It
is further state in the Qur'an and also in Hadith; about the significance of fulfilling the needs of a
Muslim:
Abu Hurayrah (radi Allahu anhu) reported: The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa
sallam) said, Whosoever relieves from a believer some grief pertaining to this world, Allah
will relieve from him some grief pertaining to the Hereafter. Whosoever alleviates the
difficulties of a needy person who cannot pay his debt, Allah will alleviate his difficulties in
9
Masjid design, accessibility, Universal Design, Persons with Disabilities (Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)),
Malaysian Standards.
10
Siti Zawiah DAWAL1, Wan Nor Liza MAHADI, Marizan MUBIN, 2015
Wudu Workstation Design for Elderly and Disabled People in Malaysias Mosques
18
both this world and the Hereafter. Whosoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will
conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter. Allah will aid a servant (of His) so long as
the servant aids his brother. Whosoever follows a path to seek knowledge therein, Allah will
make easy for him a path to Paradise. No people gather together in one of the houses of
Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, except that tranquility
descends upon them, mercy covers them, the angels surround them, and Allah makes mention
of them amongst those who are in His presence. Whosoever is slowed down by his deeds will
The act of saving or protecting people from harm and loss is greatly pleased by Allah, no
matter how small the contribution is towards other people. It is the act of considering about the
difficulties faced by others and also the act of providing easy and safe access for the general
Federal laws define a person with a disability as "Any person who has a physical or
mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of
11
Hadith translation. (2013). Retrieved 25th Oct, 2013, from http://muslimjapan.com/343.html
12
U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, Definition of Disability
https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/disabilities/inhousing
19
Utusan Malaysia, May 2013 Many Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) Muslims has
expressed their frustration and dilemma in visiting main Masjid throughout Malaysia and in
Kuala Lumpur. From a local newspaper, they reported that Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
also has the intention and desire of wanting to go to Masjid to perform their congregational
prayer together with other Muslims but when the Masjid or the destination facility does not
provide good infrastructure or more or less an accessible environment for Persons with
Disabilities (PwDs), has made their trip to the Masjid difficult and depressing.13
appearance and characteristics of old age or being an elderly and this process of aging are
death. This, categorize elderlies as partly related to Persons with Disabilities (Persons with
Disabilities (PwDs)) that also require certain needs and support in helping their everyday
life.14 The following Quran verse gives us valuable philosophical insight into the process of
13
{70} And Allh has created you and Che Ahmad M. S (May 2013). Lebur Hasrat Beribadat;
Kesukaran golongan OKU dalam menunaikan ibadat di Masjid atau surau sering dipandang sebelah mata
segelintir pihak. Retrieved 16th May 2013, p. 1 - 4 from Mega; Utusan Malaysia.
14
ASIAH ABDUL RAHIM[a], NUR AMIRAH ABD. SAMAD[b], CHE RAISKANDAR CHE RAHIM[b],and
AIMAN BADHRULHISHAM[b], PROVIDING ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
(PwDs) IN MALAYSIAN EXISTING MOSQUES
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then He will cause you to die, and of you there are some who are sent back to senility
(a feeble age), so that they know nothing after having known (much). Truly! Allh is All-
Knowing, All-Powerful.
Islam reminds the young of this basic truth of the human condition, through a narration of
the Prophet in which he stated If a young man honors an elderly on account of his age, God
Most designer will neglect design of supporting area such as toilets and ablution
space since most of them emphasized on aesthetic appearance of their design. As elderly
population is increasing, their requirement should be taken into design consideration so that
they will function with limited assistance from other people. Ergonomic aspect also should be
taken into the consideration for safe and low risk environment. In Malaysia, research on
anthropometric data is expanding which can be used to design an ergonomic ablution area at
15
Al-Quran translation. (2013). Retrieved 25th Oct, 2013, from
http://www.iium.edu.my/deed/quran/nobelquran/index_t.html
16
Hadith translation. (2013). Retrieved 25th Oct, 2013, from http://muslimjapan.com/343.html
17
Siti Zawiah DAWAL1, Wan Nor Liza MAHADI, Marizan MUBIN, 2015
21
Wudu Workstation Design for Elderly and Disabled People in Malaysias Mosques
This incongruity, or gap, may be reduced or conquered through a universal design in
terms of products or furniture design, the built environments settings, and measures of
adaption and upgrading according to Persons With Disabilities Act 2008, Uniform Buildings
By-Laws and related Malaysian Standards documents such as MS 1184: 2002 Code of
Practice on Access for Disabled Persons to Public Buildings (First Revision); MS 1331: 2003
Code of Practice for Access of Disabled Persons Outside Buildings (First Revision);
MS1183: Specification for Fire Precautions in The Design and Construction of Buildings
PART 8 : Code of Practice for Means of Escape for Disable People; and MS 2015: Public
22
18
ASIAH ABDUL RAHIM[a], NUR AMIRAH ABD. SAMAD[b], CHE RAISKANDAR CHE RAHIM[b],and
AIMAN BADHRULHISHAM[b], PROVIDING ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
(PwDs) IN MALAYSIAN EXISTING MOSQUES
CHAPTER THREE : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, research methodology which has been done to obtain data
regarding the accessibility for the elderly and disabled person in mosque at Tanjung Surat,
Johor.
Research methodology is a way to find out the findings for a given problem or
specific matter. Different criteria for solving or searching the given research problem is used
by researchers. They could use different sources with various types of methods in order to
solve the problem. Methodology can also be defined as the ways of searching or solving
Residents of Tanjung Surat, Johor are given surveys to be answered. The aim of the
surveys conducted was to obtain response, opinion and data on their perception on
accessibility for the elderly and disabled person in mosque. The result of the database will be
used to identify the thoughts the residents on the accessibility at mosque. This survey had the
following goals:
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10
Industrial Research Institute (2010), Research Management, Michigan: Industrial Research Institute
Respondents were given a printed out survey paper in order to conduct this survey.
Questions are the same including demographic data to gather data about the respondents
background and their opinion. Following the demographic surveys, respondents wew needed
Interview was made to discover the opinion of interviewees thought about the topic.
The interview session was held in MNRs Architect and being done in a personal
communication. More flexible answer and question style can be done by doing interview.
3.4 SUMMARY
These stated methodologies are really hoped can help in having a more strong
sources and data for this study. These methodologies can also help in finding different points
Despite of having limitation on finding data through these methodologies, the data
still can be gained with cooperation from respondents. In chapter 4 (Data Analysis), the
information gathered will be analysed in gaining the result of the respondents opinions
24
regarding the accessibility for the elderly and disabled person in m osque at Tanjung Surat,
Johor.
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CHAPTER FOUR : DATA ANALYSIS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, data obtained from all the methodologies used will be analysed
and elaborated. This analysis will help us in getting the conclusion of the topic, The
Importance Of Accessibility For The Elderly And Disabled Person In Mosque At Tanjung
Surat, Johor.
The surveys conducted through printed forms. 12 respondents, all are from
Tanjung Surat residents were involved in this survey. All of the survey question including the
background of the respondents, their general knowledge, and respondents observation and
Demographic question are include in this survey. Respondents had to state their
gender, age, and position. However, the respondents were kept anonymous. Question about
the accessibility and questions on ergonomic the elderly and disabled person in mosque are
provided. This is to ensure the accessibility for the elderly and disabled person in mosque, not
a ransom perception.
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4.2.1 RESPONDENTS BACKGROUND
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Based on Figure 1, the bar chart shows the number of male and female respondents
who were taking part in this survey. Total number of male residents that took part in this
survey is 9, which sums up to 75% and only 25% of them are female.
61-65
66-70
71-75 Male
Female
76-80
81-85
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Figure 2 shows the number of respondents according to their age group. 4 male
respondents from the age group of 81-85 years old is the highest number which represents
33.33% of all respondents who take part in this survey, followed by respondents from age
group of 76-80 years old which quantity of male and female respondents in this age group are
both 2, representing 16.67% each. There is 8.33% of female respondent which is one from
age group of 81-85 years. This number is the same for the number of male respondents in the
age group of 61-65 years old, 66-70 years old and 71-75 years old.
The total number of respondents by age group of 81-85 years old consists of 5
respondents (4 males and 1 female) is the highest of all, which represents 41.67%, followed
bya age group of 76-80 years old, which consists of respondents, representing 33.33% from
all of the respondents. Respondents from age group of 61-65 years old, 66-70 years old and
71-75 years old share same number of respondent which each age group consist of one
In this section, there are questions regarding the accessibility of mosque in Tanjung
Surat, Johor. Questions are given with provided answers for respondents.
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12
10
6 Yes
No
4
0
" "
Figure 3 : The number of respondents who gives their opinion about the
statement based on the provided answer for Question 1
Based on the bar chart in Figure 3, 100% respondents agreed that ramp is provided in
the mosque, which means all twelve (12) respondents answered Yes for provision of the
25% Yes
No
75%
29
The pie chart above shows the percentage of answers for the question Are there stair
makes it easier and ergonomic? 25 per cent of the respondents which represented three (3)
out of twelve (12) respondents took part in this survey agreed that there are stair makes it
easier provided in mosque, and ergonomic. However, the other nine (9) respondents of 75 per
cent of disagreed.
In this section, question are given to obtain the personal often to the mosque
for each residents. Each question was given with provided answers.
17%
Prayer
8%
Event
Education
75%
The pie chart in Figure 5 above shows the answer from the respondents on describing
their often to mosque. 8.33% or one (1) respondent has an event while 16.67% or two (2)
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respondent an education. Majority of the respondents, which are nine (9) of them which
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6
4
More than 5 times
3 4-5 times
2-3 times
Less than 2 times
2
0
" "
The bar chart in Figure 6 shows the respond for Question 4, How often to mosque
within 1 day? 50% of the residents in Tanjung Surat go to mosque for more than 5 times.
One respondent or 8.33% are less than two times in his often to mosque. Another five (5) of
them are divided to 2-3 times and 4-5 times often to mosque which are 2 and 3 of them
consecutively.
9
8
7
6
5 Yes
No
4
3
2
1
0
" "
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Figure 7 shows a bar chart on the respond with provided answers for Question 5, Are
you praying in the mosque everyday? three (3) respondents out of twelve answered with
No. This represents 25% of them. The other 75% does not does not praying in mosque
everyday.
9
8
7
6
5 Yes
4 No
3
2
1
0
" "
The figure above shows the responds for Question 6. The number of respondents who
use a wheelchair and chair for prayer is three (3) which brings to a percentage of 25. The
other 75% does not use a wheelchair or chair for prayer in the mosque. This may be a reason
for Question 6, where the number of respondents who are often to the mosque is the same as
the number of person use a wheelchair and chair for prayer in the mosque.
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4.2.4 ACCESSIBLE AND LEGIBLE MOSQUE ROUTE
In this section, respondents were to give their opinion indicating the accessible
and legible mosque route in Tanjung Surat. Each question was given with provided answers.
12
10
8
Yes
6 No
0
" "
Question 7 asked the respondents on the stair and ramp according to the requirement
Eleven (11) out of twelve (12) respondents said agreed that stair and ramp according
to the requirement and ergonomic. This shows that only 8.33% of the respondents agreed the
34
10
9
8
7
6 Yes
5 No
4
3
2
1
0
" "
Bar chart above shows the answer responded by respondents on Question 8, "Do you
feel inadequate facilities provided in the mosque?". Ten (10) of the respondents answered
Yes which means 83.33% of the respondents felt the facilities in mosque Tanjung Surat are
inadequate. Only 17.67% of the respondents does not agreed to the sufficient facilities
In this section, respondents were to give their opinion indicating the toilets and
ablution areas in mosque route in Tanjung Surat. Each question was given with provided
answers.
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9
8
7
6
5 Yes
No
4
3
2
1
0
" "
The chart above shows the responds for Question 9, Is the toilets and ablution areas
easier to used for the elderly and disabled person?. 75% of the respondents have thought that
there are many steps and barriers in toilets and ablution areas
8
7
6
5
Yes
4 No
3
2
1
0
" "
Figure 12 shows the responds for the Question 10 Do you think ablution areas and
toilets is according to size and anthropometric?. Majority of the respondents answered Yes
36
which means the ablution areas and toilets according to size and anthropometric for the elder
Interview was made with Ar. Haji Mohammad Mokhtar Bin Haji Ali, a professional
An interview was made with Ar. Haji Mohammad Mokhtar Bin Haji Ali the principal
of MNR Architect. Ar. Haji Mohammad Mokhtar Bin Haji Ali is a successful architect. His
outstanding project with KPJ Healthcare Specialisthad also awarded internationally for the
The interview was held to obtain the opinion of the anthropometry disabled person on
the mosque. The interview was held on Monday, November 21st 2016.
Since Ar. Haji Mohammad Mokhtar Bin Haji Ali get project to build mosque at
Kulaijaya, Johor, the space of mosque are easy to accessibility and provided facilities for the
elderly and disabled person. They separated some space for the elderly and disabled person
used wheelchair brought in from outside are dirty and filthy as it would have dirt and
37
4.4 SUMMARY
Data was obtained successfully, thanks to the coorperation of all respondents and
interviewees. Data finding shows the level of satisfactory of the respondents towards the
accessibility for the elderly and disabled person in mosque at Tanjung Surat, Johor. The
38
CHAPTER 5 : CONCLUSION AND LIMITATIONS
5.1 CONCLUSION
Number of mosques and musolla built up to 2014 reached almost 6,000 in Malaysia
which will kept on increasing every year as well as number of elderly and disabled
awareness of healthy daily lifestyle and diet were some of the factor contributed to the in-
crease of elderly and disabled population. There-fore, it is important for the new mosques and
musolla to provide with ergonomic ablution unit to prevent health problem to the elderly and
disabled.
If there are any possibalities that this study will be further it will conclude a more
detailed literature review, findings and documentations. As this study only focused on the
residents Tanjung Surat opinion and the significance accessibility for the elderly and disabled
person, any further study were hoped to cover about the best accessibility design, space
To be summarised, there are some limitation on studying the literature reviews due to
time constrain to study all founded the massieve literature sources. This study is barely done
39
REFERENCE
BOOKS
MS 1184: 2002 Code of Practice on Access for Disabled Persons to Public Buildings (First
Revision)
MS 1331: 2003 Code of Practice for Access of Disabled Persons Outside Buildings (First
Revision)
MS1183: Specification for Fire Precautions in the Design and Construction of Buildings
PART 8: Code of Practice for Means of Escape for Disable People
THESIS/DISSERTATIONS
Asiah Abdul Rahim, Azila Ahmad Sarkawi, IzawatiTukiman, Nur Amirah Abd. Samad
masjid for all: access audit on masjid sultan idris shah, ipoh,Masjid negeri, seremban and
msjid tunku mizan, putrajaya
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286861624
40
JOURNAL
Bernama (July 2013). Surau should be easily accessible. Retrieved 24th July 2013, p. 21 from
New Straits Times.
Che Ahmad M. S (May 2013). Lebur Hasrat Beribadat; Kesukaran golongan OKU dalam
menunaikan ibadat di Masjid atau surau sering dipandang sebelah mata segelintir pihak.
Retrieved 16th May 2013, p. 1 - 4 from Mega; Utusan Malaysia.
WEB
Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, May 31, 2016 Mosques ought to be accessible to disabled
http://www.thenational.ae/opinion/comment/mosques-ought-to-be-accessible-to-disabled
INTERVIEW
Ar. Haji Mohammad Mokhtar Bin Haji Ali, personal interview, 21 November 2016
41