Private carpark operators in PJ exploiting space shortage PETALING JAYA: Parking is a problem everywhere in the Klang Valley, especially in busy commercial areas where space is scarce. The situation is no better in Petaling Jaya, where the lack of space has led to indiscriminate parking rates. Affected motorists are of the view that Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) appears to have no control over rates imposed by private parking operators. park2.JPG Commuters arrive as early as 6.30am to park their vehicles along Lorong Sultan before boarding the train at the Taman Jaya LRT station. At the open-air carpark near Amcorp Mall, for instance, motorists have to pay RM5 for the first two hours and subsequently RM4 per hour. It is capped at RM12. Chartered accountant Che Asmah Pawan Chek, 38, said the situation was troubling. “The local authorities have no control over charges imposed at private carparks. “As a result of the shortage of parking space in Lorong Sultan in Section 52, I am forced to park near Amcorp Mall and pay RM5 for two hours. If I were to use the MBPJ-operated parking facility in Lorong Sultan, it would cost me only RM1.20 for two hours,” she said. The open-air private carpark near Amcorp Mall charges motorists RM5 for the first two hours, which they say is too steep. Asmah also said the operators were taking advantage of the shortage of parking space in the area. “They know motorists have no choice but to pay,” she added. A senior executive with a healthcare firm, P.S. Prema, said the parking fee at the carpark near Amcorp Mall used to be RM2 but was increased to RM5 about a year ago. “It is too high. Earlier, a worker used to collect the fees at a booth. However, when two automated payment machines were installed, the charges were increased. “MBPJ must monitor the situation and not allow these operators to exploit the public. It is not fair,” she said. park1-(1).jpg The open-air private carpark near Amcorp Mall charges motorists RM5 for the first two hours, which they say is too steep. Kian Wee, 25, who visited Amcorp Mall recently said he was shocked to find that the parking fee was RM5 for two hours. “It is ridiculous to charge so much,” he said, adding that RM2 would be reasonable. T. Adeline, who is in the sales line, also feels the RM5 fee is too high. “Private operators must have a standard rate. They can charge a little more than MBPJ. “I would suggest RM1 per hour, which adds up to 40sen extra compared to the council’s rates and cap it at RM5,” she said. At another open-air private carpark in Jalan SS2/64, motorists are charged RM4 per entry, be it for a few minutes or the whole day. Trader Wong Kam Li, 68, said most people were forced to park because there was a lack of parking space in the area. “Most come here to run errands or shop, which takes about an hour or two. But they have to pay RM4. “Something must be done to change this practice,” he said, adding that some motorists resorted to parking illegally and took the risk of being given a compound. “MBPJ’s compound is RM100 but if settled fast, the council gives a discount and it is reduced to RM10. “Motorists find this a better option,” said Wong.
Posted on: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 03:10:55 +0000
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