TRAFFIC on Penang island can be a nightmare, often made worse by illegally or double-parked cars.
In tourist hotspots and around popular eateries, vehicles − especially those with out-of-state number plates − are frequently parked indiscriminately.
In busy commercial zones with banks, convenience stores and takeaway eateries, drivers often justify it as “temporary parking”, choosing convenience over compliance.
Double parking is most common in high-density residential areas where bays are limited.
Residents often leave contact numbers or disengage handbrakes to allow vehicles to be moved.
Along main roads and commercial stretches, illegal roadside parking is more prevalent, often reducing road capacity from two lanes to one.
Similar issues occur near schools during pick-up times when parents waiting in vehicles cause temporary congestion.
A recent survey by Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) found many motorists ignoring the impact of their actions that create hazards and inconvenience for others.
CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the situation was critical, especially along Jalan Residensi near Penang Hospital, where vehicles were often illegally parked on double yellow lines.
He also noticed the misuse of public parking bays, particularly in Lebuh Pasar, where large objects were used to unlawfully reserve spots.
Mohideen urged Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the police to act against those flouting parking rules.
“We call for stronger, consistent enforcement, with immediate action to restore order, improve traffic flow and protect road users’ safety,” he said.
Pavement hazards
Motorcycles and vehicles parked on pavements and five-foot ways exacerbate traffic congestion and disrupt pedestrian movement.
Tuition teacher B. Premala, 69, said while she enjoyed walking, navigating five-foot ways in the city could be challenging.
“Although there is shade and some protection from traffic, the five-foot-ways have turned into obstacle courses.
“I have to walk around motorcycles, stall carts, bins, chairs and even cars wedged between shoplots.
“I often end up walking on the road.
“It’s easier, to avoid the risk of tripping but I have to be wary of traffic.
“It will be safer if the walkways are always clear,” she said.
She added that some shoplots had even installed gates that blocked pedestrian access.
Golden Hope Jelutong Senior Citizens Activity Centre chairman Datuk Seri Lawrence Cheah said stricter, consistent enforcement was needed even though the city council had cleared many five-foot ways, especially in areas like Lebuh Campbell.
“The only way to stop obstructions is through consistent enforcement, including issuing summonses and towing vehicles.
“Motorcycles parked on pavements should be compounded.”
Cheah said Penang’s inclusion in the World Health Organisation’s Age-Friendly Cities
and Communities network underscored the importance of accessibility.
“Clear and safe walkways are essential, especially for the elderly who face higher risks of serious injury from falls,” he said.
Cheah said Penang could learn from countries like Japan, South Korea and Taiwan where walkways were consistently kept clear and accessible.
“It is part of their culture to maintain clean, unobstructed paths, making them safe for everyone.”
He also highlighted growing issues with parking, including misuse of disabled (OKU) bays and double parking along narrow roads.
“Some motorists occupy bays for people with disabilities, assuming short stops are acceptable,” said Cheah.
“Enforcement must ensure these are used only by those who need them.
“Double parking further restricts movement, especially for older drivers.
“It makes navigation more difficult and should be addressed through stricter enforcement.”
Clampdown on offenders
The city council has been stepping up efforts to reduce congestion on Penang’s bustling roads.
MBPP enforcement director Noorazrein Noorazlan Ong said areas such as Jalan Residensi, Lebuh Campbell, Jalan Macalister, Persiaran Bayan Indah and heritage street lanes were hotspots for double-parking.
“These areas are closely monitored because of high traffic volume and recurring offences.
“Enforcement is carried out through scheduled and continuous patrols, with priority given to the identified hotspots.
“We also act on public complaints,” he said.
He added that offences involving obstruction and traffic disruption were enforced under the Road Transport Act 1987, with additional action taken by the police and Road Transport Department (JPJ).
According to Noorazrein, 137,794 parking compounds were issued for various offences in the first quarter of this year, with 1,771 vehicles towed and 2,544 clamped.
In 2024, 435,258 compounds were issued, with 9,063 vehicles clamped and 5,786 towed.
Last year, this increased to 483,308 compounds with 8,977 clamped and 6,791 towed.
“The compound amount ranges from RM50 to RM300, depending on the offence, such as parking outside a bay (RM50) or causing obstruction (RM300).
“Towed vehicles are taken to MBPP enforcement headquarters in Jalan Timah” said Noorazrein.
“Unclamping fee is RM50 while towing is RM100.”
Walkway clearance
Noorazrein said obstruction of five-foot ways was not permitted as these were designated pedestrian pathways.
“If motorcycles are parked on five-foot ways, compounds will be issued,” he said.
“For movable items, administrative notices will be issued for removal.
“If there is non-compliance, MBPP will remove the items.”
Regarding structures and stalls, he said MBPP Licensing Department would investigate before taking enforcement action, as some cases might involve temporary permits such as seasonal approvals.
Noorazrein said five-foot ways were monitored daily through patrols and complaint responses.
“Enforcement officers issue compounds to motorcyclists and remove or confiscate obstructing objects,” he said.
He said this was a rampant issue, with nearly 2,500 compounds issued since January.
According to him, there were 841 compounds in January, 578 in February and 1,047 in March.
“Removals and confiscations stood at 185 in January, 220 in February and 245 in March.”
He added that enforcement was carried out under Section 46 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974.
Parking bay hoggers
On the issue of people hogging public parking bays using pails, chairs or cones, Noorazrein said MBPP compounded offenders between RM50 and RM250, depending whether the objects were easily movable items or carts and vehicles.
He said such items were removed immediately and generally not returned.
“In most cases, no individual claims ownership as these are low-value items without identification,” he said.
“If offenders are caught in the act, enforcement action includes warnings or compounds.”
Noorazrein said that most cases involved the removal of obstructions.
He also encouraged public participation in reporting such issues.
“Complaints can be submitted via MBPP’s mobile app, Pearl – One Touch Penang, with a photo and location.
“They can also be made through official complaint channels and social media platforms.
“Enforcement teams also act on routine patrol observations.”
Abandoned vehicles
Another major issue in Penang is abandoned vehicles occupying public spaces.
Noorazrein said these vehicles took up space particularly in low-cost housing areas, older residential schemes (over 20 years old) and locations with shared, non-designated parking.
“Common causes include owners being deceased with no heirs, as well as a lack of awareness or responsibility in disposing of vehicles.
“When vehicles are found in public areas, notices are issued requiring owners to remove them. We also check with JPJ on the vehicle’s road tax status.
“If no action is taken and depot capacity allows, the vehicle will be removed and impounded.”
This, he said, was carried out under Section 46(1)(e) of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974.
“We towed 36 vehicles in January, 18 in February and 21 in March,” he added.
Tourist parking issues
MBPP councillor Foo Yu Keong said illegal parking had become more noticeable in recent years, partly due to a long-standing social norm where drivers mutually tolerated short-term violations as long as they did not cause major disruptions.
However, the issue is more severe in high-demand areas, especially tourist hotspots.
Vehicles, including those driven by visitors, are often parked illegally despite the availability of nearby parking facilities.
“This behaviour contributes directly to traffic obstruction and congestion, making the problem more visible and significant than in the past.
“While illegal parking may still be socially tolerated to some extent, it is increasingly prevalent and adversely impacting busy and tourist-heavy areas,” said Foo, who is the MBPP traffic management (school areas) sub-committee chairman.
These road obstructions can also put lives at grave risk.
In April, two senior citizens were killed in a fire at a legal firm along Lebuh King in the heritage enclave.
The fire engines were delayed in reaching the site as they had to navigate through heavy traffic and obstructions.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said the department received a call at 12.14pm regarding the fire at a two-storey shophouse.
“Fire engines from Lebuh Pantai and Jalan Perak stations encountered traffic congestion and arrived at the scene at 12.25pm,” he said.
