Finding parking bays is tough, especially in a busy city like Kuala Lumpur. Sometimes, just when you thought you’ve found one, there’s either a Myvi parked really close to the road curb (no offence yeah Myvi drivers), or a cone blocking the spot.
In one of our previous articles, we’ve established that business owners are allowed to reserve parking bays in front of their premises, provided that the spots are rented from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
The rates per month are as below:
- Within the central business district – RM400
- Outside city centre – between RM215 and RM240
However, having paid this rental doesn’t mean the parking bays belong to them 24 hours a day, because the spots are only rented to them from 7.30am to 6pm, from Mondays to Saturdays.
“After 6pm daily, Sundays and public holidays, the bays are open to the public.”
“There will never be enough parking (bays) and the idea is to not create more available parking so people will take public transport. But for this, we have to ensure there is fair enforcement,” Economic Planning and Development Department director, Azmi Abdul Hamid said.
So, what would happen if business owners reserve the parking bays after that time frame?
Well, under this newly enforced policy, business owners will receive a notice from DBKL as a warning regarding the valid times. If they still die die want to block the spots after the designated hours, DBKL will not renew their tenure, which is due every three months.
“The enforcement team has disposed of all sorts of items like car tyres, bins, broken furniture that were used to block the parking bays but it is back to square one days later,” said Nik Haidi, the managing director of Vista Summerose, a company that has been mandated to handle the city’s parking.
But what if they leave the spot vacant after business hours and someone parks their car there and leaves it overnight, disallowing them to block it again?
“We have got tow trucks to tow the vehicles away. But they have to adhere to the law, and it’s for official operating hours only,” he added.
Also, Nik Haidi said according to DBKL’s strict conditions, parking bays are usually rented out depending on the type of businesses. For instance, places like banks and clinics would need reserved parking bays for security vehicles and medical emergencies.
So guys, you’re free to park at reserved bays after the stipulated hours, but just remember to remove it in time, otherwise your car might get towed!
Also read: Is It Legal For Malaysian Shop Owners to Block Parking Spaces?