Rep objects to Penampang parking fee proposal
KOTA KINABALU: Moyog assemblyman Terrence Siambun yesterday raised his objection to the proposed introduction of parking fee at major commercial areas in Penampang, particularly at the Donggongon New Township.
He questioned the rationale for the Penampang District Council (PDC) to come up with the proposal to charge fees on the parking lots at Donggongon Town considering the area is made up of “low and middle income earners who are barely able to meet their financial commitments at a time when inflation and bad economy are gripping the whole state”.
“Look at all the cars parked every day at Donggongon Town, how many luxury cars like Ninja King, FJ Cruiser or Vellfire can you see being parked there?
“I was made to understand that the rationale was to discourage people from parking at Donggongon Township and to take the bus to KK.
“If that is so, then why include other commercial areas all over Penampang including Taman Malakun?” Terence said after inspecting the draft Parking Fee By Law at the Penampang District Council yesterday morning.
“The draft By Law clearly states that the parking fee will be chargeable from 6am to 6pm everyday, including on public holidays,” he said, adding that it is ridiculous to charge parking fees during public holidays.
He pointed out that even Kota Kinabalu City Hall does not charge parking fees during public holidays.
He believed that the plan clearly showed the PDC was running out of funds to manage the district.
He said there are families staying at the second and third floors of the Donggongon New Township who would have to park their cars below and there are others who probably just want to enjoy a quiet time during the holidays.
Siambun urged the district officer (DO) and councillors to prioritise more pressing issues at Penampang instead before jumping to another one.
“The DO and her councillors have yet to find permanent solution for Jalan Minintod's damaged road and perennial flooding which have caused massive problems to road users and residents at Taman Country Shangrila,” he said.