MPs question Selangor govt decision to sign away rights to council carparks for extra 10% in revenue
THE decision by Selangor to outsource parking fees collection and enforcement for four local councils should be reviewed, says Selayang MP William Leong.
The fact that only 30% of motorists statewide are paying for parking currently does not justify the move, he said.
He pointed out that under the new parking concessionaire, only 40% of revenue would go to the local councils, a mere increase of 10%.
Leong: Privatisation of enforcement powers for offences cannot be made a source of income.
Leong said the solution was to improve the competency skills of staff since the collection rate from parking stood at 30%.
'The privatisation of enforcement powers for offences cannot be made a source of income, which brings with it the dangers of abuse and corruption,' he told StarMetro.
Leong also highlighted that public carpark lots were under the jurisdiction of Transport Ministry.
'Local councils are delegated the functions to manage and collect parking fees through an agreement with the ministry under Section 72 of the Road Transport Act 1987.
'There is no provision in the Gazette Orders to allow the local council to privatise car parking management and the collection of parking fees.'
Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim had announced that the move, from Aug 1, would allow Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) to focus on other duties.
When contacted, Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof, said all local council revenue must be returned solely to the local authorities and the state.
'I understand the need to increase parking revenue but I do not see the justification for this privatisation,' he said.
He added that based on his own experience, enforcement was well carried out as he has been slapped with summonses.
Petaling Jaya residents also disagree with the privatisation of parking, especially given the city council's ample manpower and ability to manage it themselves.
Former residents association (RA) chairman for Jalan 14/1 to 14/15, Selva Sugumaran said MBPJ had increased assessment rates.
'Why increase the assessment and then let go of parking revenue?'
SS2 resident David Yong believes that money collected from parking should be used to upgrade parking facilities and even resurface roads.
Joanne Ting from Damansara Perdana expressed surprise that the state agreed to privatisation without consulting ratepayers.
Section 6 Rukun Tetangga chairman Rajesh Mansukhlal said MBPJ should be able to manage parking via AI tech.
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