Joining hands to solve factory bus parking issue

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Island City Council plans to collaborate with Penang Development Corporation, Land Public Transport Commission, (SPAD) and Royal Malaysia Police to lessen the number of factory buses parked in residential area.

State exco for traffic Chow Kon Yeow said the number of factory buses parked in residential area is increasing and the problem was getting serious especially in the Relau area.

He said every night about 100 factory buses would be parked by the roadside in Relau.

Chow said residents find it difficult to drive around the area due to the illegal parking.

He said the state authorities will be discussing with the owner of the factory bus company to resolve the issue.

Chow said action will be taken against errant bus drivers and enforcement will begin on March 13.

Chow said there are two pieces of land located in Batu Maung and near the second Penang bridge which can be used by the drivers to park their buses.

The factory bus drivers need to pay RM224 for the Batu Maung bus park and RM180 for the bus park near the second Penang bridge.

SPAD’s northern region head of enforcement Major Ahmad Zaidi Shuib said errant bus drivers can be fined between RM500 and RM2,000.

The penalty for the company can be from RM500 to RM500,000 depending the offence made by the bus driver.

Ahmad Zaidi said if a driver is a repeat offender, court action will be instituted and his licence will be suspended. – by Foo Ming Li