HAWKERS at Dataran Niaga@Jalan Camar in Taman Perling, Johor Baru, are complaining that their business is being affected by a lack of parking spaces.
They say parking spaces and even trading lots in the area are being taken up by Malaysians working in Singapore.
Nasi ayam gepuk hawker Muhammad Khairuddin Abu Bakar said customers were having problems finding parking bays, and those hogging trading lots were also inconveniencing food operators.
“Each of us has been designated lots by Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), so it is frustrating to find our spaces occupied by cars,” said Muhammad Khairuddin, 32.
He said the hawkers had been operating at this location for about a year.
Previously they operated along Jalan Persisiran Perling, near Perling Mall, but were relocated to the open-air food court after public complaints.
“At the earlier site, customers who double-parked to buy food irked other motorists who had to navigate the narrow stretch,” Muhammad said.
Fried snacks vendor Abdul Halim Othman, 32, said the parking shortage only occurred on work days, not weekends or on Singapore public holidays.
He said the car owners arrived as early as 4am to 4.30am to park their cars at Dataran Niaga or in front of the entrance of Perling market before catching the first bus to Singapore.
“I have no choice but to come at 4.30am to set up my marquee, even though I only start operating at 9.30am,” said Abdul Halim.
He said his designated lot would otherwise be occupied by cars.
“By the time I finish at 7pm, the cars are still there,” he added.
Mohd Afiq Aiman Shaari, who works at a drinks stall, said one solution would be to relocate Perling Mall Bus Terminal.
“Even the mall management has taken to putting up barricades at both entrances to its parking area and removing them only at 9am,” he said.
MBIP Perling zone councillor Mohamed Kamarulzaman Isa said the Johor state executive council was looking into the issue.
