Living in Malaysia, it is almost a rite of passage to buy a car once you start earning enough money. Even in KL, the country’s capital city, where there is the most public transportation.
This is probably due to the mindset many Malaysians still have that getting around with a car is more convenient AND the actual struggle of the unreliability of public transport.
Recently, the idea that the availability of safe parking spots is critical to a business’ or event’s success was shared by popular Malaysian food vlogger, Ceddy.
In a video shared on his official Twitter account, Ceddy shared his experience of cancelling on an event because of the lack of parking at the venue. Even after he found parking at the B3 level of the parking lot, there were no lights at all, which turned him off and made him decide to not go for the event.
“Oh my god. So creepy you know. It’s like anytime, a zombie or ghost will appear,” he said.
He then proceeded to highlight the importance of a strategic location to businesses. He urged business owners to check the surroundings and parking spots near their future shops to make sure that the place is not too old, is well-lit and safe.
Netizens are divided
In the replies to his tweet, Malaysians are divided. Some agreed with Ceddy that the availability of parking spots in most places like restaurants and hospitals are important to retain visitors and customers.
“The people who usually drive to a place are first-timers or those who live far away. Before taking a Grab, the bus or the MRT and LRT, we need to familiarise ourselves with the place first,” said one netizen.
Another netizen added that a lack of parking spots made her switch hospitals when she couldn’t find parking during a pregnancy check-up.
On the other hand, some netizens thought that it is more important for a place to be accessible via public transportation, walking or a short and cheap Grab ride.
One netizen even said that her workplace not being walking distance to a train station was a dealbreaker for her. Non-drivers can probably relate!
Ideally, wouldn’t it be great if there was just enough parking spots as well as easy access to public transportation for the places we want to visit?
Also read: “I didn’t chup” – M’sian ‘Chups’ Parking At Roadside For Friend & Says That She Did Not Do It
