Juriah Udah…the implementation was rushed without prior consultation with stakeholders.
KOTA KINABALU : – Warisan’s Putatan Division has urged the Putatan District Council (MDPTTN) to delay the implementation of the paid parking system, slated to begin on February 1.
Wanita Chief Juriah Uda criticised the council for rushing the initiative without prior consultation with stakeholders, particularly business operators. She noted the official announcement was made in December, giving little time for preparation and sparking confusion due to the lack of detailed explanation.
“MDPTTN seems more focused on promoting the parking payment app rather than addressing the rationale behind the system. This has raised concerns within the community about the urgency and transparency of this implementation,” she said in a statement today.
Juriah highlighted that Putatan, as Sabah’s smallest district, relies heavily on a limited number of commercial centres to provide employment, especially in the food, beverage, and accommodation sectors. She warned that the parking system might impose additional costs on businesses, employees, and customers, worsening the economic burden in the area.
She also expressed fears that the council might quietly increase fees or extend the system to residential areas in the future, eroding public trust.
Juriah called on MDPTTN to conduct an impact study to assess the effects on business operations and the community. She urged the state government and GRS representatives to prioritise community engagement and ensure policies are thoroughly deliberated to avoid harming local businesses and residents.
“Better communication and consultation with residents are necessary to ensure the implementation truly benefits all parties,” she concluded.
