LETTER | Dear Malaysiakini,

I am writing to bring to your attention the inconsistency of enforcement action by the public and state authorities on common folks like me who live around Penang’s well-known Botanical Gardens.

I admit I had caused some inconvenience to the residents when I parked in front of their houses. This is especially true when they are driving in or out of their porches as the road is narrow.

I accepted the summons and paid the compound on Jan 22. Initially, the fine was RM200, but since I paid late, the fine has increased to RM300. An offence is an offence, and I accept it.

However, I am disappointed at the inconsistency of enforcement action by our local authorities. Are laws only seasonally applicable?

I continue to visit the area where I got the fine, a few days a week. I see cars continue to park there and no action is taken. I feel this is unfair as there is no consistency of enforcement. Action is only taken on certain days and not others. Why is this so?

Such a seasonal type of enforcement does not solve the parking problems in the area. Moreover, those who were fined feel somewhat “unlucky” that they parked on the wrong day.

Please continue with proper enforcement. Be consistent and treat every offender equally. I learnt a lesson from the fine and others who were caught with the offence would learn a lesson or two as well.

I’m not questioning Penang Island City Council’s (MBPP) action or the fine meted out to me. I am questioning the consistency of action. With such inconsistency, errant drivers will continue to park near the residents’ homes. Residents will continue to be unhappy with the situation.

I understand that the parking situation has worsened with the ongoing cable car project within the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens. Due to very limited space, not everyone is expected to find proper parking spaces. What is the alternative then?

A touristy project like the cable car will not be rejected if the needs of the community who lives around the area are taken care of. One of these is proper parking.

We understand MBPP is trying to do what it can, but they can’t keep saying they have a lack of resources or manpower, or that they can’t please everyone.

It’s true, the public needs to cooperate and do their part too. Therefore, if MBPP wants to issue summonses, then they should do it daily, and be fair.

The summon I got definitely served its purpose as a deterrent because I started to share it with friends and advised them to not park there.

Of course, the conclusion remains - if you don’t want a parking summons then don’t park according to your whims and fancies. 

The solution? The council had proposed congestion charges and a time limit for parking spaces, but when will this be implemented? We’ve been hearing this many times, but it remains just proposals.

However, once this is implemented, how effective will the education/awareness/enforcement be? No matter what, we have to start somewhere as the area is getting messier now with the ongoing cable car project.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.