Rate hike could backfire

Parking areas with limited time

KUALA Lumpur City Hall increased the charges for the parking bays under its ownership by between 100% and 200% on July 17. While I agree completely that traffic congestion in the city needs to be reduced, that the public should be encouraged to take public transportation, and the new fees are appropriate for the central business district (CBD), the implementation of this hike has not been well considered, particularly for the non-CBD areas.

There was insufficient notice to inform Klang Valley residents of the increase and news of this impending move only surfaced earlier this month. How are those with low earnings going to accommodate this sudden jump in cost under such short notice?