KOTA KINABALU: Vehicles towed by Kota Kinabalu City Hall for parking offences risk being forfeited and auctioned off if owners fail to claim them within 30 days.
Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said towed vehicles are kept for 30 days before DBKK initiates forfeiture proceedings.
"We will keep the vehicle for 30 days, after which we will begin the forfeiture process. If the owners still do not collect them, the vehicles will be auctioned.
"Based on our records, 52 vehicles have so far gone through the forfeiture process," he told reporters after presenting appointment letters to 100 Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) members at Wisma Wanita here Tuesday (Sept 29).
Sabin said owners of towed vehicles must settle all related payments, including any outstanding parking compounds, before their vehicles can be released.
"The towing charge is RM350, while the compound for the offence is RM100, in addition to a RM150 storage fee for one night," he said, adding that DBKK might take court action against vehicle owners who fail to settle the required payments, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Sabin dismissed claims on social media that this move was to boost revenue for the city.
"It serves as a deterrent to ensure motorists comply with parking regulations and do not disrupt traffic flow and order in the city," he said, adding that DBKK does not immediately tow vehicles but first issues warnings through sirens and loudspeakers to alert owners.
Sabin said since April 2026, a total of 1,385 vehicles had been towed.
He said there were sufficient parking facilities in Kota Kinabalu, with about 20,000 parking bays available.
" There is enough parking – in fact, more than enough," he said, adding that KK Plaza, offered about 400 parking spaces at a fee of only RM1.
"However, some motorists are unwilling to park there or drive a little further to find available parking spaces. Instead, they choose to double-park.
"Some also park on road medians and enforcement action will be taken," he said.
