The free street parking for senior ratepayers offered by MBSA is valid for two years and subject to renewal. — KK SHAM/The Star
SHAH Alam City Council (MBSA) is offering free street parking to qualified senior citizens living in Selangor’s capital city.
The “golden parking” programme is one of the initiatives offered in conjunction with Shah Alam’s 25th anniversary of being declared a city.
“It is the city council’s way of showing appreciation to senior citizens for their contributions to the city and country,” MBSA Community Development Department director Shahrin Ahmad said.
To apply for the programme, a person must be a ratepayer with MBSA aged 60 and above with no assessment tax arrears, and both the vehicle and house must be registered under the same name.
Eligible individuals can only register one car per house.
“The initiative can only be used at street parking under MBSA’s jurisdiction but not in two-hour parking zones, parking bays for the disabled or privately managed carparks,” said Shahrin.
However, he said, “It only exempts them from parking fees.
Zien hopes the parking privilege will not be misused.
“It is not to be abused as a ‘free pass’ to park outside of designated parking spaces or for their children to get out of paying parking fees.”
Those wanting to apply for the permit must submit their details, including copies of their vehicle ownership certificate, assessment tax bills and driving licence.
“Those who qualify will have their details registered in MBSA’s system; the council will not be issuing any stickers or passes.
“These details will be kept for record and checking purposes.
“A fine may be issued if a person is caught abusing the initiative,” said Shahrin.
He said the “golden parking” programme was a two-year initiative, with the option to renew if all conditions were met.
When contacted, Bukit Jelutong Residents Association (RA) chairman Zien Hashim said the programme was a good idea but expressed concerns about possible misuse.
“It’s a good idea to help seniors since most are not earning an income and this would be one way to ease their daily expenditure.
“But we don’t want people to manipulate the system,” he said, posing the question: “How will MBSA ensure that the initiative is not used by the applicant’s child to park in the same spot the whole day?”
Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh RA chairman Kapt (Rtd) Abu Hassan Mistari welcomed the initiative, but said it should encompass all parking areas under MBSA’s purview.
“MBSA should consider extending it to other areas such as two-hour parking zones,” he said.
Applications are ongoing. To apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/mwycek7t or drop by the Revenue Management Section, Finance Department at Level 21, Wisma MBSA, Shah Alam.
For details, call 03-5513 3919 ext 1540/1521.
