GEORGE TOWN: While many laud the move to increase parking charges here by 50% as one way of reducing traffic jams, others are worried about the impact on living costs.
There are even those who call for even higher increases owing to the severity of traffic congestion, especially on the island.
"Good...you want to save on parking then take the public transportation... smart move because the island gets too congested," wrote Daniel K Ragu on social media.
Boon Lim suggested that the rate should be fixed at RM1.50 for the first hour, adding 50 sen for each subsequent hour with parking limited to only four hours.
"This will make one... plan their schedule and not 'lepak' (loaf around), this will reduce traffic," he said.
ALSO READ: Parking fees on Penang Island to increase 50% from March 2025
Meor Amran described the increase as a "good effort".
"Less traffic congestion. Should have (more) promoting cycling to work," he wrote.
"All this to push the community to pursue public transportation," said Vinnoth Ramesh Kumar.
Shankar Shan also suggested that Penangites use public transport to avoid paying the increased charges.
Parking rates in Penang will see a 50% rise in fees at designated locations on the island for Penang Smart Parking (PSP) users from March.
Under the revised rates, parking fees will increase from RM0.40 to RM0.60 for 30min, RM0.80 to RM1.20 for an hour, and RM6 to RM9 for a full day.
The decision was approved by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) on Tuesday (Nov 26).
On Tuesday, council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the fee adjustment was necessary to cover the maintenance of parking sensors and implement upgrades to improve the PSP system.
Chan Lai Kueen is worried that with the increase in parking charges, the "costs of living in Penang will increase again."
Christopher Chua said with the council increasing its parking fees, he is sure that all private parking lots in Penang will also follow.
Ranjit Sandhu said there was already an increase in the prices of foodstuff and house assessment with parking charges the latest addition.
"Living standards are not proportional to income earned these days," he lamented.
"Everything increases and what about workers' salaries (increasing by) 50%?" asked Richard Chong.
