The parking lots in and around the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) building are exclusive to its staff and official vehicles - something which does not go down well with residents in the vicinity.

They said this causes them numerous inconveniences, especially for those who have dealings in the building, and poses a traffic hazard.

Given the limited alternative parking bays available, they also cried foul over being summoned when they park in the exclusive spots.

"There are many parking spots beneath the MPSJ building - only for staff and official vehicles - which are often left vacant.

"Those can be used for people going there on business," said Subang Jaya USJ Resident Association (USJRA) chairperson P Jayendran when met yesterday.

There are about 100 parking bays outside the MPSJ building, parallel to the main road and a housing area. However, there is a sign indicating that these are exclusive to council staff.

While acknowledging that council staff need parking spaces, Jayendran suggested that MPSJ trucks and vans could be parked elsewhere.

"It's ridiculous to expect people not to drive in to conduct business. It would be better if the lots inside the building compound, where MPSJ vehicles such as general purpose lorries are parked, be freed. They can do this by using their vehicle depot in a nearby industrial area.

"The closest alternative parking lots for visitors, outside the building, are also taken up by MPSJ staff. As a result, people park their cars along the main road, near the building. This causes traffic congestion and poses a danger to others," he said.

Alternative space

Council deputy president Abdul Ghani Salleh said he was aware of the problem and had received complaints about it.

However, he said there were no short-term remedies.

"However, we are looking for alternative avenues to park our official vehicles. We are also thinking of having an area, away from MPSJ, where staff can park their cars and then travel to work on official buses," he said when met at his office later.

"But being in Subang Jaya, it isn't easy locating land. We are also planning to re-introduce the drive-through payment counter in the building, which is now closed for renovations in the area," he added.

Abdul Ghani said those having business with MPSJ can park their vehicles in vacant spaces at the parking bays dedicated to staff - outside the building - as the council understands the value of compromises.

Whereas inside the compound, MPSJ press officer Azfarizal Abdul Rshid said, there are about 20 lots which could be used by non-staff if vacant.

The MPSJ compound houses a football pitch and running track, apart from its office building, and is used widely on weekends. There are also numerous events and classes conducted in the building on Saturdays and Sundays.

Asked why the internal parking lots were not accessible to the public even on weekends and public holidays when staff do not occupy them, Abdul Ghani said it was a safety measure.

"This is a government building. It must be kept safe. We don't want people bringing in bombs or causing damage by lighting fires here during non-peak times. There are many mischievous people out there," he added.

In another development, Abdul Ghani said the council is still studying the details surrounding an ongoing controversy about a flyover in USJ and will work on reaching a solution that would bring 'victory' to all parties involved.

He said MPSJ approved the project a few years ago as it was then deemed a good and noble idea to have the disputed USJ3-Batu Tiga link bridge.

This, he added, may not be the case now.