SANDAKAN: The Opposition here feel the new parking fee rates by Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) are excessive and fail to account for the economic reality of local residents.
Six Parti Warisan assemblymen in Sandakan, namely Calvin Chong (Elopura), Lisa Alban (Sungai Sibuga), Alias Sani (Sekong), Arunanarsin Taib (Gum-Gum), Alex Wong (Karamunting) and Alex Thien (Tanjung Papat), collectively voiced their concerns regarding the matter, saying the issue is not merely about the implementation of a new system but the rates introduced from the outset are already at a burdensome level.
It is understood that MPS has begun installing signage regarding the new parking charges, while parking booths have been erected at every satellite town in Sandakan.
Among the primary grievances raised by the public is the new parking rate for yellow bays, which has increased to 75 sen compared to the previous 45 sen.
They questioned the actual rationale behind the price setting.
“This situation demonstrates a failure by the relevant parties to understand the economic pressures currently faced by the people, particularly middle-income earners, daily wage workers and small traders,” they said.
They questioned the role of MPS councillors, including those from the Sandakan Parliamentary office involved in related meetings and full-board sessions, who appeared to have not raised objections.
They also questioned whether there are guarantees that the revenue collected from these high parking fees will actually be used to improve the quality of MPS services.
While acknowledging that an organised paid parking system can benefit businesses in terms of parking management and traffic flow, they maintained that insensitive implementation, specifically through excessively high rates, could have the opposite effect. Burdensome rates have the potential to reduce footfall at business premises and ultimately hurt local traders.
They stressed the importance of public engagement before any policy is implemented so that the views of traders and local residents can be taken into account.
