PLANS are in the pipeline to address severe parking woes especially in Taman Perling and Taman Bukit Indah, Johor Baru, caused by Singapore-bound Malaysian workers.
Iskandar Puteri mayor Hasrin Kamal Hashim said land acquisition process for a multi-storey carpark at Taman Bukit Indah was completed.
He said the project was awaiting approval from the state finance officer.
However, Hasrin said it was premature to announce the actual cost of the multi-storey carpark building located next to Granada Hotel in Taman Bukit Indah.
He said the project was expected to be implemented within 36 months with an estimated 500 parking spaces.
Once the building is completed, Malaysians working in Singapore who take buses to the republic opposite Aeon Mall Bukit Indah, would be able to park their cars at the multi-storey carpark.
“Upon completion, hopefully the issue of them hogging the parking spaces at the commercial areas of Taman Bukit Indah will be solved,” said Hasrin.
The issue of locals working in the republic who park their vehicles in commercial parking areas throughout the day had been repeatedly highlighted in the media.
Hasrin said Iskandar City Council Puteri (MBIP) had been receiving complaints from hawkers, shopowners and residents in Taman Bukit Indah, who struggled to find parking.
“Traders at the Perling wet market in Taman Perling have also expressed frustration that their customers were being driven away by the parking shortage.”
He said Malaysians working in Singapore came as early as 4.30am to park in the bays opposite the market, before catching the bus from the Perling Bus Terminal.
He added that these workers also occupied parking spaces designated for hawkers at Dataran Niaga@Jalan Camar.
Separately, Hasrin said the Jalan Pekaka hawker centre in Taman Perling would be demolished and hawkers operating there had until Dec 31 to relocate.
“The temporary place, located at the carpark next to the Perling market and Dataran Niaga@Jalan Camar will start operating from Jan 1,” he said.
He added that the upgrading project was slated for completion in 36 months.
