RM300,000 compounds collected during amnesty day
KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) collected RM300,000 in compounds in conjunction with its amnesty day, which began on February 2.
Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai said the compounds which included parking summonses and parking ticket arrears, were collected at counters opened at City Hall headquarters as well as online.
“The public had the option of paying directly at City Hall headquarters, obtaining a validation stamp at headquarters before paying at any City Hall counter before February 9, or paying online.
“We have always had an online option but it has not been fully utilised until recently. This is also due to the widespread use of smartphones, which only came about in the last few years,” he said.
Yeo also thanked those who came to settle their summonses during amnesty day, despite having to wait in line for hours.
“We thank those who took advantage of amnesty day, and we would also like to apologise for inconveniences caused. But from what I gathered from the public, they were glad they could pay their compounds at a discount.”
He said this to reporters after officiating at an accreditation recognition ceremony for fair business in tourism (handicrafts and souvenirs).
According to the mayor, those who had summonses of up to RM2,000 only had to pay RM200, saving them RM1,800.
He also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman for allowing City Hall to organise the amnesty programme.
Meanwhile, Yeo said City Hall is targeting 20 premises in the city for accreditation this year.
“So far, there are only two premises which have been accredited and they are Kedaiku, owned by Sri Pelancongan Sabah, and now Galleria Artisan in Yayasan Sabah,” he said.
Also present at yesterday’s ceremony were Sabah Foundation director Datuk Sapawi Ahmad and advisory board member cum City Hall Tourism, Culture and International Relations Committee chairperson Datuk Nancy Ho.
Meanwhile, other district offices and municipalities have been urged to emulate the amnesty programme in view of the present financial difficulties the people are facing now.
“Organising Amnesty Day similar to that of DBKK by other district offices and municipalities imposing parking fees in their respective areas of responsibilities will be of great relief to the public, particularly motorists with accumulated unpaid compound tickets,” Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri treasurer cum Kudat Parliamentary Branch chairman Thomas Tsen said.
With Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration just around the corner, he said realisation of the suggestion would surely be appropriated and much appreciated as a CNY gift to the public.
To show appreciation, Thomas said motorists should take the amnesty programme in good faith and not to take for granted their unpaid compound tickets.
On the CNY celebration which will fall Feb 16-17, the party treasurer said the festival has roots in long traditions and culture of the Chinese community and played an indispensable role in bringing together the various ethnic groups in Sabah.
Thomas said Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri will continue to support Chinese communities in promoting their culture and tradition and other programmes to ensure harmonious living atmosphere in the State and Malaysia in general.
“CNY festival not only provides an occasion to celebrate but is also a platform for multi races to gather,” he opined.
When asked to comment on the strength of Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri, Thomas said the party continued to be stronger day by day based on the rising number of membership applications submitted at various branches in Sabah.
He said the party’s political struggle continued to draw public attention as it is simple and focused on five sensible, touching and realistic issues that are obviously achievable.
“Our party machineries are doing great jobs and our members and supporters are meeting the grassroots to explain to the voters our political struggles and the benefits the public will gain if given the mandate in the coming 14th general election,” Thomas stressed.