MBPP traffic wardens Rosman Abdul Rashid, 56 (left) and Mod Yusmandy Subry, 36, getting ready for duty during the event outside City Hall in Padang Kota Lama, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
A DAILY average of 40 vehicles have been slapped with compounds after being clamped or towed away by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) due to various traffic violations this year.
MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang revealed that the council’s enforcement totalled an average of 1,200 compounds daily.
“Till October this year, we have issued a total 330,175 compounds. Among them are 19,985 compounds for clamping and towing,” he said during the MBPP Enforcement Day celebration at Penang City Hall in Jalan Padang Kota Lama.
Yew said that while the city council was not in favour of such enforcement actions, it was just carrying out its duty for the people.
“Of course we don’t wish to see this happen, but it has to be done to be fair to the people.
“We have been receiving complaints from the public on enforcement actions being too efficient, such as cars being fined within five minutes of parking without payment.
“I take the complaint positively to prove that we are always on the ground,” he said.
Yew said features such as the Penang Smart Parking app had received over a million subscribers as a result of increased awareness of the people to abide by the laws.
He said the council would continue to empower its 318 enforcement officers beyond just enforcing but to also protect the people.
“Enforcers will focus on being greener and healthier.
“When conducting enforcement operations, officers are encouraged to record them using cameras for documenting purposes, which will be used in the event of a dispute or alleged misconduct.
“At present, we have patrol units on bicycles and they are equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AED).
“We have trained 276 personnel to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and 10% of them are trained to operate the AED.
“By February next year, we aim to ensure all enforcement officers are well versed in performing CPR and operating the AED,” Yew added.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the event, urged council enforcement officers to keep up with technology following Covid-19 and transition to Industrial Revolution 4.0.
“The introduction of 5G networks in urban areas and smart applications in the state should be utilised.
“These facilities should provide added value in dealing with the variety of difficulties that arise throughout the service period.
“For example, with the increase in telecommunications capability through 5G technology, the ability to carry out enforcement monitoring through closed-circuit cameras has improved,” he said.
Also present were Penang housing, local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo and MBPP secretary Datuk A. Rajendran.
MBPP traffic wardens Rosman Abdul Rashid, 56 (left) and Mod Yusmandy Subry, 36, getting ready for duty during the event outside City Hall in Padang Kota Lama, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Chow (left) with Yew Tung Seang (second left) inspecting the guard of honour at the event.
