NINE areas across Iskandar Puteri, Johor, are to be gazetted as dedicated parking zones for Malaysian cross-border workers commuting to Singapore.
Iskandar Puteri mayor Datuk Hasrin Kamal Hashim hopes the move will resolve complaints from business owners about commuters parking at transit points all day to catch cross-border buses to Singapore.
“Commuters arrive as early as 4.30am to park their vehicles near transit points and only return late in the evening,’’ Hasrin Kamal told StarMetro, noting that local trade has been severely impacted.
“The only time these parking bays are clear of vehicles is on weekends or when both Malaysia and Singapore observe a shared public holiday.”
Traders and shopowners have frequently cited the difficulty their customers faced when trying to find parking spots.
To prevent long-term parking, Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) is considering a strict time limit.
“We are considering imposing a two-hour parking limit at these parking hotspots to prevent the bays from being monopolised by these cross-border workers,” said the mayor.
The designated parking zones in Gelang Patah will include Jalan Nusa Perintis, Nusantara Square, Taman Nusantara Prima, and areas along Medan Nusa Perintis 2, 6, 7 and 8.
Other spots encompass the perimeter of the Gelang Patah Terminal, CIMB Gelang Patah, and Jalan Nusaria 2/1 and 4/6.
Additional sites are situated in Taman Bukit Indah and Taman Ungku Tun Aminah in Johor Baru.
“We have chosen these nine areas as they have the highest number of commuters taking cross-border bus services to the Johor Causeway and the Second Link Crossing in Tanjung Kupang, Gelang Patah,” said Hasrin Kamal.
He also provided an update on the upcoming multi-storey carpark next to the Granada Hotel in Taman Bukit Indah.
“The contractor is currently preparing the necessary plans and documents for approval by MBIP’s One-Stop Centre.
“The project is starting soon and is slated for completion on Oct 30, 2028,” Hasrin Kamal said.
The proposed seven-storey building will feature 462 parking bays for cars, 100 bays for motorcycles, 12 charging spots for electric vehicles and five retail units.
Managed by MBIP, the complex will operate on hourly parking charges and will be open to the public.
The initiative is part of a broader plan by the Johor government to gazette over 500 parking bays across four local authorities: MBIP, Johor Baru City Council, Pasir Gudang City Council and Kulai Municipal Council.
The parking plans are scheduled for implementation in the third quarter of 2026.
