Kepong merchants say the EV charging station should be relocated towards the end of the commercial block.
Business owners in Laman Rimbunan, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, are objecting to the installation of new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the busy commercial area.
They said the charging units take up valuable, high-demand parking bays.
The two charging stations, which are not operational yet, will occupy four bays along Jalan Rimbunan Raya 1.
Lee Kok Kin, 50, who runs a stall selling accessories, said the stations would worsen congestion.
“Parking bays in the middle of the commercial area gets filled up fast,” he said.
“When operational, the charging stations will occupy valuable bays right in the middle of the commercial block, resulting in more vehicles circling around to find a parking space.”
Personal driver Lee Fook Sang, 65, raised safety concerns about the elevated kerb built to accommodate the station.
“The kerb is built higher than the ground level and motorists might not be aware and reverse their car into it,” he said.
Kepong business owners say the EV charging stations should be relocated towards the end of the commercial block. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star Yee (second from right) with Kok Kin and Fook Sang (left) showing the water-filled potholes behind the Jalan Rimbunan Raya 1 shop lots in Kepong.
Kepong activist Yee Poh Ping said he received complaints from residents on the charging stations.
He said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) should relocate the stations to the corner of the commercial block.
“Normally, the parking bays at the end of a commercial building are the last to be taken up.
“Placing the stations there will be ideal,” he said, adding that he would send a formal letter to City Hall on the suggestion.
Yee also highlighted the poor road conditions of back lanes of the Jalan Rimbunan Raya 1 shop lots.
“The back lane, which is frequently used by vehicles, especially vans ferrying goods, has many potholes and are a safety hazard to motorcyclists during downpours.
“DBKL should resurface the back lanes and prevent any illegal cooking activities from taking place there too,” he said.
