Show civic-mindedness at vaccination centres

I AM writing to express my disappointment at the behaviour of some Malaysians.

About a month ago, the Petaling Jaya Civic Centre was designated as a vaccination centre (PPV). Unfortunately for me, it is located a short walking distance from my house.

Seven days a week, from morning till night, there are cars parked along the road outside my house, causing a traffic jam. Empty food and drink packets and used face masks are thrown into the drain outside my house, and some of these sometimes fly into my compound when there is strong wind.

I am able to tolerate all of this, as I understand that the situation is dire and the vaccination centre is not going to be there permanently.

But my patience dries up when people park their cars right in front of my gate. Some leave their phone numbers on the dashboard and others wait in the car and reluctantly move when I honk (not when they see me drive in or out). Some do neither.

I simply cannot understand why I have to wait for them to move their car before I can go in or out of my gate.

I’ve always thought it is common sense not to park in front of anyone’s house, whether a telephone number is given or not. It is not as if parking spaces are not available, if parking on yellow lines along rows of houses is now allowed due to the pandemic (I am not aware of any changes in the law). There are lots of parking spots available along the rows of houses behind mine. It is just a longer walk to the PPV.

So, I am guessing that these thoughtless people do not wish to be inconvenienced by walking a bit further to be vaccinated. They would rather inconvenience me by parking in front of my house and blocking my ingress and egress.

I’ve been told by Rela personnel at the vaccination centre that this is beyond their jurisdiction, and suggested that I check with MBPJ (Petaling Jaya City Council). I did, only to be informed that the entire area has been commissioned by the Health Ministry. In short, no one wants to take responsibility. Funny how jurisdictions are well defined when it comes to paying taxes or licence fees.

The authorities aside, what has happened to common courtesy, decency and civic-mindedness? Is the pandemic really an excuse to misbehave?

Something must be wrong with our society if basic common sense, courtesy, decency and civic-mindedness are thrown into the drain, along with used face masks.

SHEILA RAMALINGAM , Petaling Jaya