Parking touts find persistence pays

A parking tout (right) waiting for payment from a motorist outside some eateries in Jalan Lepas, Johor Baru near the Causeway customs, immigration and quarantine complex. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star

IF you head to downtown Johor Baru, which is popular for its hip cafes and shopping, chances are you will see illegal parking attendants who guide vehicles into parking bays and expect “payment” in return.

For years, these parking touts, also known as ulat parking or jaga kereta, have been operating in hotspots such as Jalan Trus, Jalan Dhoby, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Segget where many businesses and places of interest are located.