Illegally reserved: Motorists find it hard to look for a parking spot on Jalan Mega Mendung because some bays have been blocked with various items. — ART CHEN/The Star
FINDING a parking spot in Kuala Lumpur can be challenging.
Besides the limited parking bays, there are individuals who habitually reserve parking spaces to prevent others from occupying them.
The sight of precious bays blocked by old bicycles, motorcycles, plant pots, chairs and tyres in commercial and residential areas has become a norm.
ALSO READ: Report obstruction of parking bays, public urged
These objects are placed by those who assume the space in front of their shops or homes are an extension of their property.
When Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman recently announced that any person caught obstructing parking spaces around the city would be issued an immediate RM500 fine, many applauded the decision.
According to Mohd Noorazman, the compound would be issued under Section 46 of the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Act 1993 for obstruction.
Some business owners reserve bays even when the shop is closed.
With this announcement, many Kuala Lumpur dwellers also want their local authority to adopt the policy.
“This is a brilliant idea and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) should do it, too,” said Raj Kunaratnam, 35, from Wangsa Maju.
“It is selfish and unethical for anyone to book a public parking space solely for their customers, indefinitely,” said the account executive.
Bukit Bintang resident Jane Rai, 62, concurred with Raj, echoing the need for DBKL to mete out fines.
Derek urges local authorities to revoke premises, trade licences of those who hog parking bays.
“Often, people are in a hurry and need to do some quick grocery shopping or banking and may just need to park for 30 minutes, but these available bays are blocked by pots or chairs,” said Jane.
Local government expert and lawyer Derek Fernandez praised Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) for the bold move, adding that it was correct in its action.
“The fine should be increased to RM1,000.
“Parking bays are meant for the public to park, not hogged or used as the private property of a few selfish individuals.
“If certain businesses require the parking bay because of the nature of their business and circumstances, it can be reserved for a fee and permit, based on each local authority’s criteria,” Derek said.
However, he added that this should be limited to businesses such as clinics, banks, vets and auto garages, and should be the exception rather than the rule.
“Public parking bays are always in short supply and not meant for exclusive use.
Roadside stalls in Jalan Kelang Lama have taken to reserving parking bays. – Photos: ART CHEN/The Star
“I would urge the local authorities, after having fined the irresponsible parties, to cancel their premises and trade licences if they habitually repeat this.
“This can be done by imposing non-obstruction of public parking bays as a condition of these licences.
“For the use of parking bays for outdoor dining after working hours, many councils have their own guidelines, all of which require approval based on a detailed evaluation, taking into account suitability, public safety, inconvenience and sanitary aspects,” he added.
When asked to comment on MBJB’s decision to fine parking bay hoggers RM500 on the spot, DBKL (socio-economic development) executive director Datuk Azmi Abdul Hamid said that it was easier said than done. “Yes, we have the laws to enforce obstructions. But how would we know who put (the obstructions) there,” Azmi asked.
Eateries, such as this one at Overseas Union Garden, often obstruct bays in front of its premises.
“These guys are smart. They put an old pot or a broken chair or even an old bicycle, but when we ask around whose pot or chair it is, they will deny it is theirs.
“If you can prove who put the obstacles there, then we can take action. Otherwise, all we can do is to remove them,” he said.
A senior DBKL enforcement officer from the Seputeh branch, who preferred to remain unnamed, suggested, “When you see that a parking space has been taken up by a chair or an old tyre or a flower pot, get out of the car, remove it and see who comes out and protests”.
United Garden resident CS Tan, however, suggested that DBKL officers should go undercover to nab the culprits.
“The officers should wear plain clothes and drive private vehicles.
“When they see a parking space taken up by a cone or a chair, they should just remove it.
“The first person to come out and claim the space should be fined immediately,” Tan said.
He added that no one would reserve a parking spot like that again if this sort of enforcement was carried out constantly.
Insurance agent J. Malathy from Bangsar said people who witness parking bay hogging should take a photo or video and report these offenders to the authorities.
“This entitled attitude must stop and nothing does that better than a hefty fine,” added Malathy.
Meanwhile, retired mayor Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan said some populist decisions in offering free roadside parking and hefty yearly discounts on parking summonses were counter-effective and did little to solve the hogging issue.
“It is always better to enforce without fear or favour.
“Just tow the car and let them pay the fine and see whether they do it again,” Nor Hisham said.
In July 2021, then Federal Territories minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa had announced that there would be no charge for parking at the city’s 61,000 street bays until Aug 31, a move that was meant to help city folk save money.
The initiative was extended until the end of September that year when Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim was appointed Federal Territories minister.
During that period, DBKL was inundated with complaints of people hogging parking bays for days and some even took the opportunity to park their old cars with expired road tax in front of shops and residential areas.
