(From left) Quah, Tang, Yeoh, Swee Bok, Ching Yang and Chan giving the thumbs down to the privatised parking lots in front of Krystal Point.
THE Penang government should come clean and reveal how many parking lots will be privatised by the state’s investment arm Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), said Penang MCA spokesman Tang Hiap Seng.
“Motorists were surprised to find that they would soon be required to pay round-the-clock for parking at a vacant lot in front of the Krystal Point commercial centre in Bayan Baru based on a sign put up there.
“The parking rates charged are not low.
“They are RM3 for the first hour and RM1 for subsequent hours.
“This has upset the business owners there as the Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected their trade, ” he told a press conference at the site.
Tang added that the parking fee was too expensive if compared to the rate charged by Penang Island City Council, which is 40 sen for every half hour and only from 8am to 6pm (Monday to Saturday).
“We are also wondering if an open tender has been called for the parking lots’ privatisation.
“Other than at Krystal Point, the parking lots along the service road in front of the shops in Karpal Singh Drive have also been privatised by the same company.
“We are calling on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to abolish the privatisation by CMI and hand the parking lots over to the council so as to protect the parking rights of Penangites, ” he said.
Also present at the press conference were state MCA liaison committee secretary Yeoh Chin Kah, state MCA Youth chief Lim Swee Bok plus committee members Lim Ching Yang, Chan Wooi Jin and Derex Quah.
In a statement, CMI said the parking lots in front of The CEO, Bukit Jambul, would also be privatised together with the ones at Krystal Point and in Karpal Singh Drive.
“Negotiations are still pending with the contractor on the terms and while this is going on, motorists will be able to park their vehicles there for free.”
Did you find this article insightful?
50% readers found this article insightful
