Improving OKU Accessibility on the Perhentian Islands: Practical Solutions with Nur Syuhada & Ahmad Syafiq

OKU access Perhentian Islands | Disability access Perhentian | Universal design Perhentian | Wheelchair access audit Perhentian | Accessible tourism Kelantan | OKU inclusion Perhentian | Accessible resorts Perhentian

The Perhentian Islands in Kelantan are a stunning destination – crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and a relaxed island atmosphere that draws visitors from Malaysia and around the world. As Malaysia continues its positive push toward inclusion through the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 amendments and related guidelines, there is great opportunity to make resorts, chalets, jetties, beaches, restaurants, and community areas more welcoming for Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) visitors and residents.

Nur Syuhada Binti Che Rahimi and Ahmad Syafiq bin Mohd Unzir – both full-time members of the AccessConsultants.asia team and proud Kelantanese (hailing from this beautiful region) – bring specialised skills and a deep understanding of local context to help improve OKU accessibility on the Perhentian Islands.

Nur Syuhada Binti Che Rahimi – Architectural Executive

Full-time with AccessConsultants.asia since May 2019, Nur Syuhada holds a Master of Architecture (LAM & RIBA Part II) and has over seven years of experience in inclusive design and accessible projects.

Her key strengths include:

• Designing practical layouts for resorts, community buildings, and public spaces
• Highly proficient in BIM workflows using Archicad for accurate coordination and documentation
• Preparing submissions and ensuring alignment with Malaysian standards (MS 1184:2014)
• Managing projects remotely with clear, effective communication – perfect for island-based work

Syuhada’s calm, detail-oriented approach makes her ideal for working closely with resort owners, local operators, and community groups on the Perhentians to create cost-effective, respectful accessibility solutions that fit the laid-back island lifestyle and natural surroundings.

Ahmad Syafiq bin Mohd Unzir – Graduate Architect

Full-time with AccessConsultants.asia since April 2019, Ahmad Syafiq holds a Master of Architecture (LAM & RIBA Part II) and equivalency for Certificate IV in Access Consulting. He has more than seven years of experience in accessible architecture and audits.

His key strengths include:

• Conducting detailed access audits and preparing accessibility reports
• Applying Malaysian standards (MS 1184) and international best practices for practical outcomes
• Proficient in Archicad (versions 22–27) for coordinated drawings and stakeholder integration
• Proven ability to collaborate respectfully with local committees and communities

Syafiq’s experience includes leading an access audit at Masjid Jamek in Kuala Lumpur (supported by the Persatuan Akitek Malaysia Social and Corporate Responsibility Committee), where he met with AJK members and Dr Norwina to deliver meaningful improvements. This collaborative, respectful approach is well-suited to working with resort operators, village leaders, and boat services on the Perhentians.

How Nur Syuhada & Ahmad Syafiq Can Help Improve OKU Access on the Perhentian Islands

Together, Syuhada and Syafiq offer practical, locally grounded support tailored to the Perhentians’ unique island environment – from beachfront chalets and resorts to jetties, restaurants, beaches, and community areas:

1. Professional Access Audits Visit and assess existing facilities against MS 1183/MS 1184 and national guidelines. Identify simple, cost-effective improvements in pathways, ramps, entrances, toilets, and beach access points.
2. Universal Design Recommendations Suggest ramps (1:12 gradient), wider doors, grab bars, tactile guidance, accessible toilets, and beach-friendly access solutions that benefit OKU visitors, elderly guests, families, and everyone.
3. Respectful Collaboration Work closely with resort owners, local operators, village committees, and boat services to ensure solutions fit the relaxed island lifestyle and respect the natural environment.
4. Clear Documentation & Reporting Deliver BIM-based drawings (Archicad) and professional reports to support funding, approvals, or tourism board applications.

Whether improving access at a chalet in Long Beach, a jetty in Kuala Besut, or a community space on Pulau Perhentian Kecil, their approach is practical, affordable, and sensitive to local needs and tourism priorities.

Supporting Kelantan’s Tourism & Inclusion Goals

AccessConsultants.asia is proud to support Malaysia’s national inclusion goals – including the PwD Act amendments and related guidelines – through local expertise and respectful collaboration. As Kelantanese professionals, Nur Syuhada and Ahmad Syafiq are deeply connected to the region and ready to bring practical, proven solutions to the Perhentian Islands.

Call to Action: Ready to make your Perhentian resort, chalet, or community space more inclusive? Book a free wheelchair access audit consultation at AccessConsultants.asia today. Professional services available in Malaysia, Sydney, and Perth – together we build welcoming spaces for all visitors and residents.

Sources: Team CVs and professional experience. SEO optimised for OKU access Perhentian Islands, disability access Perhentian, universal design Perhentian, wheelchair access audit Perhentian, accessible tourism Kelantan, OKU inclusion Perhentian, accessible resorts Perhentian.