JOHOR BARU: All premises caught placing obstacles on parking spaces in the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) area will be fined RM500, says mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman(pic).
He said this was in response to complaints about property owners who attempt to "reserve" parking spots for their customers.
“Some premises place chairs or pails in front of their shop to deter non-customers from parking, which is an illegal act," said Mohd Noorazam.
“Based on my personal surveillance, this usually occurs after 6pm,” he said when met by reporters after chairing the MBJB monthly meeting on Monday (Jan 2).
Mohd Noorazam added that this is part of the council's effort to beef up their enforcement this year.
He said that the compound notice will be issued under Section 46 of the Street, Drainage, and Building (Amendment) Act 1993 for placing obstructions in public places.
“Any premises owner who wishes to reserve parking spaces can apply directly to us for RM150 per month, and the application is for a period of up to three months,” he said.
Mohd Noorazam said the council is also planning to conduct a joint enforcement programme with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to catch parking touts in the city centre.
“We have noticed these individuals operating in areas such as Bazar Karat, Jalan Ibrahim, and Jalan Wong Ah Fook. They act as parking attendants and collect fees from the public," he said.
“They can be arrested under Section 50(3) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for unlawful interference and importuning, which carries a maximum fine of RM2,000 or imprisonment up to six months,” added Mohd Noorazam.
