Letters - Review quantum of parking rate hike

THE Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM) notes with disappointment Kuala Lumpur City Hall's decision to drastically increase parking fees at several hotspots in the city. While City Hall's effort to discourage vehicles, especially single-occupant cars, from coming into the city is lauded, this sharp increase in parking fee may do more harm than good.
As such, the increase should be staggered instead of an immediate 100-200% jump. The mayor has stated that the move is not profit-driven, but by looking at the quantum of increase it is difficult to think this is the case.
City Hall must appreciate the fact that consumers are still trying to adjust to the increased cost of living, and this parking fee hike will not do any good at all.
It is agreed that congestion in and around the city can be unbearable but unless the public transport system is up to par like in developed countries, consumers will have no option but to drive.
Given that businesses are already lamenting poor sales and negative growth, the fee hike has the potential to aggravate the situation. With high parking costs aggravated by an inefficient public transport system, people may shy away from these retail hubs. At a time when the government is exploring ways to stimulate domestic spending, this parking fee hike is regressive.
The MCM commends the government for doing a great job of improving and upgrading the public transport system, including the construction of the MRT, but feels that such a steep increase in parking rate should only be considered when public transport infrastructure is fully completed and operational. Until then the City Hall should relook the quantum of increase.
Darshan Singh Dhillon
President
Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM)