The Penang government today showed appreciation to three Penang Island City Council (MBPP) officers who were recently treated rudely for carrying out their car clamping duties in George Town.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng handed over RM200 to each worker for their "bravery, courage and professional" attitude during the incident which took place on Campbell Street on Oct 7.

"We thank them for their calmness in such a challenging situation. They have remained calm, professional and courageous, and upheld their work ethics in carrying out the laws of the state," Lim ( photo ) said at a press conference.

The officers are Zarina Othman, Siti Asa Abu Bakar, and Sabrina Mohd Sabri.

The trio had clamped a Perodua Myvi which was parked on the pavement along the busy street.

At a press conference held yesterday, MBPP councillor Ong Ah Teong explained that the car owner and his companion were upset when told they have to pay RM50 to unclamp the car.

"The owner and his friend argued with the officers and tried to dismantle the clamp themselves but were unsuccessful.

"Although Zarina tried to explain the matter to them calmly, the two men acted quite roughly and threw the RM50 note at the officers on the ground, instead of giving the money to the officer.

"They even threatened the officers, calling them dogs," Ong added.

Car clamping is being carried out widely in Penang due to car owners flouting the law by double-parking, or when they park their cars outside the available parking spaces, sometimes causing traffic congestion in the George Town city centre.

However, victims of car clamping activities argue that the state should not be clamping cars when it has not provided enough parking spaces.