Kota Kinabalu: Concerns have been raised by residents, workers, business operators and visitors in Kampung Air over the alleged misuse of public parking bays by some night market traders.
According to a complaint submitted to Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), more than 20 vans belonging to night market traders occupy green parking bays throughout the day, despite business operations only taking place from around 6pm until midnight.
“More than 20 vans belonging to night market traders occupy public parking bays throughout the day, even though the night market only operates from around 6pm until midnight,” the complainants said.
The complainants alleged that the vehicles are often left parked in the bays from morning until evening, limiting access to parking spaces intended for public use.
“The vehicles are frequently left parked from morning until evening, depriving office workers, residents and visitors of parking spaces intended for public use. Some of these vans also appear to be used as storage facilities for business goods, effectively turning public parking bays into temporary storage areas,” they said.
The situation has reportedly caused inconvenience to office workers, residents and visitors who rely on the green parking bays, which are generally more affordable than other parking zones in the city centre.
Some business operators in Kampung Air have also expressed concern that the shortage of available parking spaces may be discouraging customers from visiting the area, potentially affecting local economic activity.
The complainants further alleged that motorists have, on occasion, been reprimanded by night market traders for using the parking bays after 5.30pm, creating the perception that certain public parking spaces are being treated as reserved for night market operations.
“Motorists have, on occasion, been reprimanded for parking in these bays after 5.30pm, creating the impression that public parking spaces have become reserved for night market traders,” they said.
In their appeal to DBKK, the complainants called for an investigation into the matter and urged the local authority to ensure that public parking bays remain accessible to all users during daytime hours.
“We are not opposed to the night market. However, public parking facilities should remain accessible and be managed fairly for the benefit of residents, workers, traders and visitors alike.
“We urge DBKK to investigate the matter and take enforcement action if any parking regulations or conditions have been breached,” they said.
At the time of writing, DBKK had not responded to the concerns raised.
