The public has been advised to plan their journey to avoid parking issues as lately there is an increase of vehicles on the island.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said Penang is not the only city with inadequate car parks, but other major cities in the country are facing a similar problem as well.
“Perhaps, the public can try to carpool or take public transport.
“We also have our Penang Smart Parking (PSP) parking app, which can assist motorists to find the nearest car park. But of course, sometimes it may not be able to get them to the nearest car park.
“The city council is also working with those multistorey car parks owned by shopping complexes and private sectors.
“The most important thing is that they must plan their journey and we hope the public can understand the situation,” Yew said during a press conference held after MBPP’s full board meeting at City Hall today.
When asked about the matters involving shop owners reserving the council’s car park using objects, Yew said MBBP’s traffic wardens would remove any objects that seem to be an obstruction for motorists to park.
“If motorists come across such situations, we encourage them to report to us instead of removing the objects by themselves.
“And of course, they can do that, but we do not want any tension between the motorist and the shop owner.
“We have permitted certain shop owners to reserve the parking space such as the tyre shops,” he added.
Yew also said the MBPP is currently working with a consultant to find out the traffic count as well as with other relevant agencies to find solutions regarding the traffic capacity.
“During the last festive season, nearly a three-quarter million cars came into the island.
“Adding this figure to the number of existing cars on the island, it would total up to more than a million cars,” Yew said.
Meanwhile, Yew said three food outlets were ordered to close for failing to meet the standard hygiene requirements during a spot check conducted by the MBPP officers yesterday.
“A total of eight compounds were also issued by the MBPP.
“With the reopening of all the economic sectors, and also with the arrival of tourists to the state, the council gives much emphasis on the food safety as well as food security,” he said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Mersyad Omar.