Unreservedly hot over reserve lots

VIP lane: The reserved stretch of parking bays for Nga’s entourage outside a restaurant on Lebuh Campbell has drawn flak from business operators nearby. — By CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: From 10pm on Thursday night, about 30 roadside parking lots were barricaded along Lebuh Campbell in readiness for Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming’s lunch event at Hameediyah Restaurant, the oldest nasi kandar restaurant in the country.

Shopkeepers stared wide-eyed because the road – only 7m across – is at the edge of the city’s heritage enclave and public parking is almost a precious commodity in this densely built neighbourhood.