The concerned groups during the picket against the high parking charges in Donggongon.
A NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation (NGO) has called for the boycott of parking charges in Penampang district near Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, if local authorities do not review the rates.
Penampang Watchers, several business owners and motorists who described the rate as unreasonable, held a picket in Donggongon town to voice their frustration.
NGO spokesperson Edwin Jomiji said the parking charges in Kota Kinabalu city were considerably lower compared to Penampang.
“We are not objecting to the implementation and collection of parking fees because we know Penampang Municipal Council (MPP) has the right to look for funds for development.
“But let the charges be reasonable.”
Jomiji said the people were especially against the 75sen for 30 minutes, or RM1.50 per hour, charges for yellow parking lots.
There were cheaper blue parking lots at 30sen an hour, he said, but these were limited and located far from business outlets.
“Most of the parking bays are yellow and they are located closer to shops and eateries where people want to go,” he said, adding that this would significantly affect local traders and low-income earners.
Jomiji also asked why MPP could not emulate Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) which charged only 50sen for 30 minutes or RM1 per hour, for similar yellow parking bays in the state capital.
He added that this was the second public call made by the groups over the parking charges that came into effect on Aug 1.
Jomiji also said MPP started to book motorists for failing to adhere to the system.
“Penampang people have no choice but to use their own vehicles to go to town because public transport in the district is lacking.
“So, we ask MPP to review the parking rates,” he said.
Penampang Watchers, he said, also questioned why MPP engaged a company from Peninsular Malaysia to manage and run public parking.
He claimed that if a Sabah-based company were to handle it, the rate would not be as high.
Jomiji asked MPP to make public the concession agreement.
National Consumer Foundation Sabah chairman David Chan had previously questioned MPP’s rationale for imposing such a high fee as it hit Donggongon traders who were mostly from the B40 group.
