Growing problem in the city

Mohd Rusdi (right) showing photos of the three parking touts who were recently nabbed and charged in court at the state JPJ headquarters in Johor Baru while Enforcement division chief Razali Wagiman looks on.

JOHOR BARU: The state Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be going all out to eradicate the growing problem involving parking touts, especially in the city here, with some five touts already charged in court this year.

Johor JPJ director Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said that two touts were nabbed and charged in court in July and another three were picked up along Jalan Bukit Timbalan and Jalan Ibrahim Sultan here between 8pm and 1am on Oct 9.

“The three, aged 35, 37 and 49 years old, were charged in court the following day, where they were slapped with fines of RM300 each or in default a month’s jail term.

“They did not pay the fine and are currently serving time in jail,” he said in a press conference here recently.

Mohd Rusdi said that while the touts have reserved their own spots, they could all be operating as one syndicate.

He added that the touts charge a fee of between RM1 and RM5 to “keep an eye” on the cars while the owners run errands.

“They can each earn up to about RM1,500 a month by just ‘manning people’s cars’ illegally.

“These touts seem to be growing in numbers and getting braver in threatening and extorting money from motorists, especially around the city centre,” he said, adding that the touts usually operate from late evening to midnight.

Mohd Rusdi urged motorists not to give in to the touts’ demands but instead lodge a police report or complain to JPJ via email at [e-mail].

“If they threaten to hurt you or damage your vehicle, then immediately lodge a police report,” he said, adding that motorists could also opt to highlight the matter to the city council.