'Don't protest, write a letter' Noel Achariam

KUALA LUMPUR: Why hold a protest? If you are unhappy with city services, write a letter.

That is City Hall's director-general Datuk Salleh Yusup's response after Taman Sri Sentosa residents held a protest at the weekend over the installation of parking meters in front of their low-cost flats.

Salleh said the residents should write to the mayor, Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan instead.

"They should not hold a protest," he said.

However, a resident said the protest was to send a message to City Hall.

"How can City Hall put up parking meters right in front of our houses? Are we supposed to pay for parking charges?" he fumed.

The parking meters were installed last Tuesday. City Hall's sudden move has upset the hundreds of residents who are from the low income group.

City Hall charges 60 sen an hour for parking from 9am to 6pm on week days.

"I have been living here for nine years and I don't understand why they are charging us for parking now," said Halimi Abdul Rahman.

Salleh said City Hall installed the meters because the area has been classified as a commercial area.

"This is a business area, and we have every right to install the parking meters," he said.

Salleh said City Hall will not be remove the meters despite protests from the residents.

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