Using an ATM may seem like a simple everyday task, but its design can make a big difference for someone using a wheelchair.
For one Malaysian man, a Maybank ATM at 118 Mall stood out for making banking easier and more comfortable.
Taking to Threads, @sectoph, who described himself as a proud Maybanker and wheelchair user, shared photos of himself trying out the machine.
A lower screen that makes a difference
In his post, he described the machine as one of the most wheelchair-friendly ATMs he had experienced after years of using conventional ones.
What stood out was its lower, angled touchscreen, which made navigating the machine much easier from his wheelchair.
After years of using conventional ATMs, this is honestly one of the most wheelchair-friendly designs I’ve experienced. The lower, angled touchscreen makes navigation so much easier and more comfortable!”
The photos showed him reaching towards the touchscreen while seated in his wheelchair, with one image capturing him smiling and pointing at the display.
Thanking Maybank, he highlighted how seemingly small design changes can improve accessibility.
He also expressed hope that more machines like this would be introduced across Malaysia, making everyday banking more inclusive.
‘Accessibility, independence and dignity are our rights’
The post also sparked a discussion about how wheelchair users are treated.
Responding to a commenter who felt wheelchair users were treated as second-class citizens, he called for a change in mindset.
We are not second-class citizens, and we should never be treated as such. Accessibility, independence and dignity are our rights, not privileges.”
He added that progress begins with how society views and treats persons with disabilities.
Another commenter welcomed the design but cautioned that people standing above could potentially look at the screen.
In response, he stressed that wheelchair users also deserve to live independently and use facilities like everyone else, while others should respect their privacy and personal space.
He added that innovation should make life easier for everyone, rather than be held back by attitudes that have yet to change.
Hopes to see it in more malls
Others were keen to see similar facilities introduced elsewhere.
“Aww that’s great. We need to put this in every mall,” one commenter wrote.
The original poster replied with a simple: “Agreed!”
For him, the lower screen was a small change that made an everyday task more comfortable, and one he hoped more wheelchair users would get to experience.
Why accessible banking goes beyond a lower screen
Speaking to WeirdKaya, Ghazali Othman, the man behind the post, shared that he works in IT at Maybank and currently serves as president of the Malaysia Disability Youth Council (MBOKU).
He has been using a wheelchair since he was three, for over 27 years.
I strongly believe in independent living, accessibility and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.”
Has been using ATMs independently for years
Ghazali explained that he has long managed his ATM transactions independently. However, some conventional machines have higher screens, card slots and cash dispensers, making them less comfortable to reach from his wheelchair.
While he usually manages on his own, certain designs can make the process more difficult.
For me, independence and privacy are particularly important when handling personal banking matters.”
At the ATM in 118 Mall, he found that the overall design, beyond just the lower screen, felt more accessible and comfortable to use.
Sometimes waits for the crowd to clear to protect his privacy
Ghazali also highlighted a concern that goes beyond being able to reach the machine: having enough privacy to complete a transaction.
At conventional ATMs, he sometimes needs to be extra cautious about people standing behind or beside him, particularly when entering his PIN.
There are times I prefer to let others go first and wait until the area is less crowded before proceeding with my transaction.”
While this can delay his banking, he said protecting his privacy while maintaining his independence is equally important.
Accessibility should extend beyond the ATM
Asked what else banks could improve, Ghazali pointed to wheelchair-friendly entrances, sufficient space to manoeuvre, suitable counter heights and accessible ATM locations.
He stressed that these features should enable persons with disabilities to manage their banking independently, safely and with dignity, without having to rely on others.
As both a Maybank employee and a wheelchair user, he said he was proud to see the bank taking steps towards more inclusive banking and hoped more accessible ATMs would be introduced across Malaysia.
Accessibility should become a standard, not an exception.”
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