The Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM) notes with disappointment Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s decision to drastically increase parking fees at several hotspots around the city. While the City Hall’s effort to discourage vehicles into the city, especially single occupant vehicles, is lauded, this policy when implemented may potentially cause greater concern than benefit.

As such it is recommended that such increase is announced gradually and not immediate 100 to 200 percent as was announced by the City Hall. The mayor has stated that this move is not profit-driven, but noticing the quantum of increase it is difficult to think otherwise.

City Hall must appreciate the fact that consumers are still adjusting to cost of living issues and this increase will not do any good. Agreed that congestion in around the city can be unbearable, but unless the public transport system is up to standards as that of in developed countries, consumers will have no other option but to drive.

On the other hand, while we continue to hear businesses lamenting of poor sales and negative growth, this policy has a potential to further aggravate the situation. With high parking cost aggravated by not very efficient public transport system, people may shy away from these retail hubs. At a time when the government is exploring ways to stimulate domestic spending, this announcement is regressive.

The MCM commends the government for doing a great job to improve and upgrade the public transport system which includes the construction on the MRT but such high parking rate increase should only be considered once the public transportation infrastructure in fully complete and operational. Until then, the MCM urges the City Hall to review this increase quantum.

DARSHAN SINGH DHILLON is president, Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM).