RM500 fine for JB business operators ‘reserving’ parking space

JOHOR BARU: All business operators caught placing obstacles on parking spaces around the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) area will be issued a RM500 fine immediately, says mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman.

The compound will be issued under Section 46 of the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Act 1993 for placing obstructions in public places.

The council has received a lot of public complaints regarding property owners who attempt to “reserve” parking spots only for their customers, he said.

“Some had chairs or pails placed in front of the premises to prevent non-customers from parking. This is illegal,” he said when met by reporters after chairing the monthly council meeting at Menara MBJB here yesterday.

“Based on my personal observation, this usually happens after 6pm.

“This is part of the council’s effort to beef up enforcement starting this year.

“Any premises owner who wishes to reserve parking spaces can apply directly to us for RM150 per month, and they can apply for up to three months.”

Mohd Noorazam added that the council was also planning to conduct a joint enforcement programme with the Road Transport Department to catch parking touts in the city centre.

“We noticed that in areas such as Bazar Karat, Jalan Ibrahim and Jalan Wong Ah Fook, there are irresponsible individuals who act as parking attendants and collect fees from the public.

“They can be arrested under Section 50(3) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for unlawful interference and importuning, which carries a maximum fine of RM2,000 or imprisonment up to six months,” he said.