City folk debate DBKL’s RM10 parking fine

A revised compound structure introduced by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for roadside parking offences has drawn mixed reactions from city folk, with some questioning if the lower rates will lead to “bay hogging”.

Under the new system that took effect on March 1, motorists who settle their compounds within one to seven days will pay only RM10.

The amount increases to RM20 if payment is made between eight and 15 days, RM30 within 16 to 30 days and RM50 after 30 days.

Previously, compounds for indiscriminate parking ranged between RM50 and RM100.

Cars parked along Jalan Berhala in Brickfields, where residents say the limited bays are occupied by outsiders for extended periods. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

While some residents say the staggered rates encourage quicker payment and better compliance, others argue that the new low fine fails to deter motorists from occupying bays for extended periods.

In Brickfields, long-time resident Rama­chan­­­dran Subramaniam said the new rates might not address long-standing congestion.

“It punishes people who forget to pay on time, not those who park irresponsibly every day,” he said, adding that the real problem was repeat offenders.

“When the fine is so low, some will not mind parking the whole day.

“It doesn’t pinch the purse compared to paying for a private parking spot.”

Ramachandran says there needs to be greater penalties for repeat offenders.

Ramachandran suggested improving public transport access and shuttle services linking commercial areas to transport hubs to reduce the pressure on roadside parking.

Fellow Brickfields resident Dr Chris­to­pher Nicholas said the issue was a lack of consistent enforcement.

Referring to Jalan Berhala, he said despite having nearly 200 bays for fewer than 200 residents, the spaces were always full.

“A new fine structure alone will not solve the problem if there is no enforcement.

“People will take the risk of incurring fines.”

Nicholas says consistent enforcement is needed in Brickfields.

Brickfields Rukun Tetangga chairman SKK Naidu echoed these concerns, suggesting that the revised rates could worsen the situation in areas already heavily utilised by those working around KL Sentral and Nu Sen­tral.

“Instead of paying for expensive indoor parking, some park outside all day and pay the RM10 fine.”

Naidu suggested a two-hour parking limit in busy zones to improve turnover.

Maniam says roadside bays are often taken up by outsiders.

For residents of Tong Soon Mansion like GS Maniam, the situation was even worse.

The 24-unit apartment block has only six parking spaces, forcing many residents to rely on roadside bays.

Tong Soon Mansion has limited parking spaces within its compound, forcing many to rely on roadside bays.

“We have no choice but to park outside, but those bays are often taken up by outsiders or bay hogger and residents end up getting fined,” he said.

However, the system has its supporters.

Kampung Malaysia Raya Residents Association chairman Mohd Zainuddin Amran said the system could help educate motorists.

“The idea is to give people options when settling their parking fines.

“There is an early payment rate, but the amount increases if payment is delayed,” he said.

Zainuddin says the system gives people options when settling their parking fines.

Cheras resident Lim Wei Jian agreed, calling the move fair.

“Sometimes people genuinely forget to pay or there’s a problem with the parking app.

“RM10 for early payment is reasonable.”