KUALA LUMPUR: On March 22, Facebook user Jason Ong shared a photo of a woman standing in the middle of a parking spot at 1Utama, allegedly to “reserve” it.
Ong, who was driving around the lot looking for a place to station his car, was irked by the woman’s actions and took her picture with his mobile phone.
His Facebook post, which has since gone viral, is accompanied by the caption (written in Mandarin): "Walao... another one hogging parking spot by standing (on it)".
A little bit of context for our readers living outside of the Klang Valley: 1Utama is notorious for its parking problems – even on weekdays.
But having someone stand in as a human cone to save a spot? That seems a bit excessive.
This begs the question – is it legal for someone to "book" a parking spot in Malaysia?
The answer is: it's definitely illegal.
AskLegal.my recently wrote a piece explaining that there is actually a law against it.
Section 50 (3) of the Road Transport Act 1976 reads: "If any person, otherwise than with lawful authority, remains on any road or at any parking place for the purpose of importuning any other person in respect of the watching or cleaning of a motor vehicle, or for the purpose of directing any driver of a motor vehicle in respect of parking on such road or at such place, he shall be guilty of an offence."
The general penalty of the Road Transport Act applies to this law, which carries a fine of up to RM2,000, or up to six months in jail. Repeat offenders get a fine of up to RM4,000, and/or up to 12 months in jail.
Such incidents can be reported to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) through e-mail, voice calls, or text.
You can drop them a WhatsApp message at 011-5111 5252 with photos and details of the offender.
Alternatively, you can give them a call at 03-8886-6412, or send an e-mail to aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my.
Don't simply "chup" here "chup" there, everyone! Let's make parking courtesy a social norm. – SAYS.COM
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