THE growing number of vehicle workshops in several commercial areas in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, has become a source of concern for residents, who say such businesses have been allowed to proliferate unchecked.
The concentration of car workshops, car wash centres and vehicle accessory shops in commercial areas like Bandar Baru Ampang, Pandan Jaya and Taman Cahaya has sparked complaints from the community.
They said workshop-related activities have resulted in parking shortages, traffic congestion and disturbances to the surrounding areas.
In Bandar Baru Ampang, StarMetro observed at least 50 automotive-related businesses operating from shoplots.
A frequent visitor to Bandar Baru Ampang, Md Irwan Mohd Hamid, raised concerns about the environmental impact of car wash operations, saying that many outlets appeared to lack proper water recycling systems.
He said soapy wastewater mixed with oil and other contaminants often flowed directly into drains, adding that this could also have wider environmental implications.
Taman Nirwana resident M. Thomas said the growing number of vehicle workshops and car wash centres was affecting the character and cleanliness of the neighbourhood.
He said it was not uncommon to see shopfronts stained with blackened grease, while tyres, engine parts and other equipment were typically spread out on the five-foot way and public spaces.
“Parking bays are increasingly being used as open-air repair pits, making it difficult for the public to find parking.
“It also looks unsightly.”
Thomas stressed that residents were not calling for workshops and car wash operations to be shut down.
“The issue is whether they are operating in suitable locations.”
Thomas said vehicle repair and washing activities would be more appropriate in light industrial zones rather than being concentrated in commercial areas that were near homes.
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) said in a statement that it was aware of several locations within its administrative area that had become hotspots for vehicle workshop businesses.
MPAJ said the Ampang Jaya Local Plan 2035 (Replacement) limits motor vehicle service activities to 20% of the total number of shoplots in a commercial area.
MPAJ said the measure was intended to prevent an excessive concentration of vehicle-related businesses in any single locality, although licences issued before the introduction of the policy would remain valid.
The council reported receiving 22 complaints related to vehicle workshops between January and May.
“Among them were that they cause a nuisance and take up public parking spaces.”
The council also said that one of the persistent concerns involved workshop operators using public roads and parking bays for customers’ vehicles.
MPAJ said that compounds could be issued for non-payment of parking fees, while vehicles parked continuously for more than 24 hours after the expiry of parking charges could be towed.
MPAJ said it had introduced a policy in August last year requiring workshops, car wash centres and vehicle accessory shops to rent two to three designated parking bays directly in front of their premises.
“Enforcement action such as compounds or licence cancellation will be imposed on licence holders who refuse to comply with the licence condition.”
“Any vehicle left in a parking bay for a prolonged period and one which can be categorised as a derelict vehicle, such as one with flat tyres, expired road tax, faded paintwork or a damaged engine, may be towed,” it said.
MPAJ added that it would continue monitoring workshop operators to ensure they complied with licensing conditions, including the requirement not to carry out repair works in rented parking bays in front of their premises.
