THE decision by Selangor government to implement the Smart Intelligent Parking (SIP) system across three districts, starting from Aug 1, seems rushed.
This approach, aimed at addressing the low parking fee collection issue, appears to have been poorly thought through.
Selangor state executive councillor Datuk Ng Suee Lim stated that privatisation was part of the state’s strategy to combat the low parking collection rate, which currently stood at only 30% across 1,000 designated parking bays.
However, the pressing question remains: Why hasn’t the state government tackled the underlying issues within local government authorities (PBT)?
There are various avenues to explore, such as improving mobile applications, strengthening enforcement, offering staff incentives or even revising PBT regulations.
Privatisation may seem like a quick fix, but it comes at a significant cost.
Local PBTs are now required to share 50% of the revenue with the SIP operator, Rantaian Mesra Sdn Bhd.
This revenue is crucial for PBTs and ultimately, the welfare of the community.
Two civic groups, PJ Sejahtera and Persatuan Petaling Jaya Lestari, have raised concerns that Petaling Jaya City Council could lose up to RM10mil annually due to the SIP implementation.
The state government must urgently conduct a thorough review of this situation.
Any necessary changes, including amending or even cancelling the concession, should be made to protect PBT revenues and ensure the well-being of the community.
Datuk Lawrence Low
MCA vice-president
MCA Economic and SME Affairs committee chairman
