RESIDENTS of Pandan Mewah low-cost flats in Ampang voiced their anger against their joint management body (JMB) for implementing a paid parking system within its compound.
It is learnt that the flat’s JMB decision to start charging fees was a bid to tackle overcrowded parking. Beginning July 1, residents with more than one vehicle have to pay RM25 for the second vehicle and RM150 for the third. Parking for resident’s first vehicle is still free of charge.
Meanwhile, visitors parking in the compound are charged RM3 for the first hour and RM1 for every subsequent hour. Parking is free for them if they leave within the first 15 minutes.
Access routes into the flats in Jalan Mewah 4 have been closed off and guards have been posted at the main entrance.
Shopowner Cecilia Choo, who sells fruits, said she had seen a 50% drop in business since the parking charges took effect.
“Many of my customers have complained about the hassle of having to pay for parking when coming here to buy fruits.
“How can I sustain my business without customers?” she complained, adding that she had been operating there since 2002.
Resident Tan Bee Lian said her relatives and friends also found it a chore to visit her.
“They do not want to have to pay when they come to visit and I don’t blame them,” she said.
During the dialogue held at the flats, Teratai assemblyman Tiew Way Keng said the decision to implement the parking charges was made during the JMB’s annual general meeting last year.
“As many of the residents are objecting to the fee, the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council Commissioner of Building (MPAJ-COB) will meet up with the JMB.
“Following that, an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) can be called to decide whether to abolish the fee,” she said,
A MPAJ-COB representative said the JMB’s decision to implement the parking charges could not be summarily dismissed by the council.
“We will assist in bringing the two sides together so that an amicable solution can be found,” he said.
