The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has announced a 50% increase in roadside parking fees, marking the first price adjustment in 11 years. This move aims to alleviate traffic congestion in high-demand areas by discouraging long-term parking, said Mayor A Rajendran.

According to Rajendran, the increase is necessary to ensure better parking availability, as some motorists leave their vehicles parked for extended hours, limiting access for others.

"There are cases where drivers park for 10 to 12 hours, making it difficult for others to find parking. This forces motorists to keep circling in search of a spot, contributing further to congestion," he explained, as reported by Free Malaysia Today (FMT).

Revised Parking Fees

Under the new rates:

Roadside parking fees have increased from 40 sen to 60 sen per half-hour.

Hourly parking has risen from 80 sen to RM1.20.

Daily parking charges have climbed from RM6 to RM9.

The monthly pass, however, remains unchanged at RM150.

Additional Measures to Ease Traffic

To further curb congestion, MBPP has introduced stricter enforcement at five traffic hotspots:

Jalan P Ramlee

Jalan Dato Keramat

Jalan Magazine

Jalan Burma

Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway

In these areas, roadside waiting will no longer be allowed, and illegal parking enforcement will be intensified.

Additionally, MBPP is exploring the introduction of parking time limits in high-demand locations such as Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Pasar (Little India) to ensure better turnover of parking spaces, as reported by the New Straits Times.

Public Concerns and the Need for Better Transport

Penang has one of the highest car ownership rates in Malaysia, and post-pandemic traffic congestion has worsened significantly. While the parking fee hike is designed to improve traffic conditions, some residents believe that expanding public transportation options is essential to reducing dependence on private vehicles.

As Penang continues to grow, balancing parking policies with efficient public transport remains a key challenge for the city.

Source: Free Malaysia Today