“MCA calls on the Penang state government to admit that the state is headed for financial difficulties, thus needing to squeeze the people for more money”
PETALING JAYA: The plan to put the parking fees on hold by the Penang government “justifies MCA’s earlier criticism as well as the angry voices of the public,” said Datuk Michael Lee Beng Seng.
In a statement Tuesday, the Penang MCA Youth chief said the proposal to collect parking fees did not benefit Penangites who were already suffering from a rash of price hikes, in particular the plan to increase water tariff rates by 77% for consumers and 58% for businesses.
“MCA calls on the Penang state government to admit that the state is headed for financial difficulties, thus needing to squeeze the people for more money,” said Lee.
“Stop insulting the public’s intelligence by using ridiculous excuses such as the parking charge increase to benefit the public,” he added.
On Monday, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) financial management committee alternate chairman Joseph Ng said that the plans for the collection of parking fees for 290 roads on the island were not finalised.
Lee said that even if the state government were to postpone the parking charges and water rate increases, there was the possibility they would be imposed after the upcoming general election.
The planned parking fees were to be imposed on 290 roads that had been previously free of charge.
The fees would be a flat rate from 8am to 6pm on Mondays to Saturdays including public holidays, starting July 1.
Source: The Star Online
