14th December 2024
Press Statement on Clamping and Towing in Kajang, Selangor
On the 5th Dec 2024, my car, BJK276, was clamped at Jalan Sulaiman, Kajang, at about 1:30 p.m. I waited but could not find a parking space, so I parked horizontally for a brief moment, less than 10 minutes, to purchase some groceries. During that time, many cars were parked as parking lots were full or parked.
I believe the MPKj staff clampers know about the traffic at the place and time, thus taking the opportunity to clamp quickly. Then, I called this number, 011-1336 1497, and answered by saying MPKj. Then he informed me to negotiate the clampers with them if I wanted a discount or waiver. Here came two personnel, and one of them asked me to pay in cash RM50, I didn't have enough cash, so I transferred to his account, as a favour extended, so I asked why not the company name or MPKj, which he didn't reply to but said they only accept cash. So, I transferred to his account, and he gave me a receipt and opened the clamp.
As I looked into this episode, I felt it was unjust, and the same was felt by others, for the following reasons:
#1. During that time was a lunch break where many would do various chores, for instance, buying something, having lunch, etc. Generally, cars will be plying and parked at parking lots and thus have to wait a long time to park where time is of concern to many, especially those who work. The two-hour limitation parking lots are not enough or effective during this peak moment, and what more during weekends.
Proposal:
a) Between 12 pm and 2 pm, the council gives leeway so people can do their stuff quickly and move on due to limited parking lots.
b) Managing the traffic by installing cameras and speakers to alert motorists to move on from the place when traffic gets heavier or becomes a standstill, perhaps by giving 10 minutes before the council takes swift action to clamp or tow those who ignore this advice.
#2. Ironically, the limited parking lots are attributed to extensive or indiscriminate building developments in one area or vicinity, thus causing many issues like too many vehicles on the road. The fundamental question here is who caused this issue or problem. The local council herein the MPKj has been approving developments by ignoring or compromising people's living comfort and standards.
Proposal:
a) Therefore, to stop these discriminatory or unplanned developments from happening we must make the EIA, SIA, and TIA for public viewing, particularly to those who would be affected residents, including motorists so they can voice their grievances.
b) The council's town planner should take proactive initiative to determine the land status and its future development plans. As I know the current practice, developers propose types of developments that are ironically profit-orientated in nature; thus, in many instances, they ignore the plight of the people or the existing community.
#3. The MPKj had outsourced the to a private entity the parking, including the clamping task
The questions are as follows:
a) Who is this private entity, what are the terms, and how much do the collections go to this entity? We’re urging the MPKj to come clean of the entire operation. Has the state government sanctioned this arrangement?
b) The receipt issued had been printed as ‘Kew.38 Pin 2/86’ on the top left corner, seems highly suspicious; I found out it is for the JPA usage, i.e., the Federal Government unit. Thus, it is wrong and criminal to use such receipts. The police take criminal action against them if it is indeed true.
c) The heads in the MPKj have to roll for causing confusion and being insensitive to the hardship faced by the people who are many of the B40 group in Kajang.
d) The MACC should investigate this deal due to the probability of abuse of power and corruption.
THANK YOU.
Vivehanathan Vairakkannu
0162530936