Since March 1, motorists must use parking apps to enter the parking lot at the Pandan Perdana Lake area. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
PARKING charges were introduced at the popular Pandan Perdana Lake in Pandan Perdana, Ampang, Selangor, on March 1 in an effort to prevent misuse of the parking facility.
Initially, motorists were charged RM2 for the first hour and RM1 for every subsequent hour at the recreational site’s parking area.
However, following feedback from motorists and residents, the rate has been adjusted to RM1 for the first hour and 50sen for every additional hour.
Parking here was previously free.
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) area councillor R. Moganraj said the local council had received complaints that the parking bays were frequently taken up by residents of a nearby high-rise and other housing areas.
“Some were using the bays at the lake area like private parking bays, leaving their cars there overnight.
“This was depriving visitors the chance to park their vehicles at the recreational area.
“Those wanting to park here now will have to use the Flexi Parking or Smart Selangor Parking apps to scan in and out of the lot,” he said when contacted.
On concerns that introducing a parking fee would affect lake-goers, Moganraj explained that many of the visitors were from residential areas nearby and would walk to the area.
“Only a handful of people actually drive to the lake area,” he said.
Several visitors StarMetro spoke to had differing opinions on the fee implementation.
Karina Chee, 45, said it was a good move as this would deter people from monopolising the bays.
“I come here daily and the parking lot is almost always full throughout the day.
“This can definitely put off visitors as this is the only convenient parking facility nearby,” she said.
A jogger who wanted to be known only as LJ, 65, pointed out that implementing parking fees could result in more illegal parking along Jalan Perdana 3/10.
“There are motorists already parking illegally in the area.
“MPAJ should instal plastic bollards to prevent people from parking along the road,” he said.
The new parking charges also include a maximum rate of RM7 per day, fee of RM2 per entry after 8pm and a RM80 monthly season pass.
