Paid parking implementation pressures traders, workers

KUALA NERUS - Most workers and traders at Dataran Rimba Square, Gong Badak, disagree with the implementation of paid parking, as it not only burdens them but also leads to a decline in customers.

A toy shop staff Mohd Shafie Md Razali, 26, said that the introduction of paid parking added stress as they did not face the issue before.

"We disagree with paid parking because our salaries are not high and now we have to think about paying for parking space rental.

"Previously, we can come to work in peace but now we have to think about spending money on monthly parking fees that could otherwise buy milk and diapers for our children," he told reporters today.

Shafie said he hoped that authorities would reconsider the implementation of paid parking.

"We hope the government will reconsider scrapping paid parking because we, the workers here, need to consider daily costs.

"If it is RM10 per day, it's already RM300 just for parking every month.

"Before this parking was implemented, we were happy to come to work but since it's going to be implemented, we feel pressured," he said.

Meanwhile, the owner of a used clothing store Muhd Shahamiza Ali, 42 said he also faced problems as he rented four shop lots and had 15 employees.

"After the parking implementation, we faced difficulties as many of our employees and customers drive to come here.

"After a supermarket closure here, this area became a bit deserted. With the introduction of parking, the problem intensified because fewer people visit this area.

"The rate of RM1 per hour charged is too high because typically the first 15 minutes are free with no charges but here, the charge starts as soon as you enter," he said.

Shahamiza said he did not entirely oppose paid parking but hoped the charges were reviewed.

"I hope authorities reconsider whether it's reasonable to impose parking fees in this area.

"I don't have a problem with the government imposing parking fees, but it should follow the correct fee structure.

"We understand charges are levied for the state's economy and our economy, but the current rates are very high and burdensome, especially for the traders in this area.

"What disappoints me is that this area hasn't fully developed, unlike Dataran Austin.

"The parking fee there is 60 cents per hour, paid directly to MBKT (Kuala Terengganu City Council) through metered parking.

"Why impose such high charges here?" he questioned.

Previously, three vehicle parking payment booths around Dataran Rimba Square, Gong Badak, were damaged by fire and vandalism in three separate incidents starting last Oct and this month.

The most recent incident occurred early today at around 5am, where a private company-monitored booth was found damaged, resulting in an estimated loss of over RM10,000.