KOTA KINABALU: THE one-day Amnesty programme for parking compounds by the City Hall yesterday draws a queue as long as 1km yesterday.
The queue around the City Hall up to the Kota Kinabalu Court started as early as 6am. The City Hall estimated 10,000 had turned up as of 10.30am.
Ahmad Yaini, 37, from Sepanggar who came around 7am, thought he could settle the compounds when the counter opened at 8am.
“When I arrived here, there was already a long line. I got the ‘Amnesty’ stamp after queuing for two hours.
“But it is half-way done as I still have to queue to pay the discounted amount,” said Ahmad, adding that he had accumulated 88 compounds since 2015.
Ahmad, who works as a kitchen assistant, said he was usually fined for parking his car briefly at the town.
Before discounts, the compounds amounted to RM3,140, which he could not afford to pay in a lump sum. After the discount for the 88 compounds, he is expected to pay RM880 as each compound will be reduced to RM10.
The Amnesty programme was held in conjunction with 18th City Day celebration here yesterday.
Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, who was among 20 City Hall senior officers assisting in the programme, said they did not expect such a huge turnout in the morning.
“Each compound will be reduced to RM10. However, the public can make payment within this week after getting the stamping from the 30 counters or senior officers.
“I would like to advise the public to settle their compounds early as the City Hall will start taking legal action and there is no guarantee there will be an Amnesty programme any time soon.”
Present was Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah.