Netizens Debate Who Is At Fault Over Video Of Lorry Ramming Thru 10 Illegally Parked Cars

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for our latest stories and breaking news.

Last Thursday, 21 October, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage captured a lorry damaging two rows of parked vehicles behind Complex E of the Chief Government Security Office (CGSO) building in Putrajaya.

In the brief 31-second long video, the white storage truck can be seen struggling to drive through the road that is flanked by vehicles.

A separate one-minute long video shows that the vehicles are parked on white lines. Many vehicles suffered severe scratches and dents that may cost thousands of ringgit to fix.

According to Bernama, the police had tracked down the lorry driver and all parties involved will be called in to give their statements.

The case is currently being investigated under Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving.

However, Putrajaya police chief A Asmadi Abdul Aziz told Utusan Malaysia that owners of the damaged vehicles cannot make claims for compensation as the road is gazetted as a no-parking area.

He added that the police will conduct an operation to prevent people from parking on the road. They will also issue summonses to motorists who fail to comply.

Some netizens claimed that while the illegally parked vehicles were in the wrong, it does not mean that the lorry can ram through the vehicles.

"Weyy, why did he have to go through there? There's a big road over there. Use that instead," contended a Twitter user.

"Sometimes, (I) am afraid to drive past this road because people park on left and right (sides of the road). This lorry is looking for trouble (because) it insisted to use this way."

A netizen added in agreement, saying, "Isn't it? There is another way. (The lorry) should reverse and follow the main entrance."

Many netizens sympathised with the owners of the damaged vehicles as they understood that parking in the area is scarce. They contended that it was hardly their fault.

"I have worked near Complex E, KKM (the Ministry of Health). Only God knows the torment of looking for a parking space there. I was forced to come to the office early. If I was late by a little, I had to double park," said a person.

"If there was still no parking, I had to pay to park near Complex E or Alamanda."

One netizen added that people resort to double parking even in paid parking areas.

"This is the problem with Putrajaya. The parking is limited in both office areas and residential areas. It doesn't matter if the house is high(rise) or [landed]. That's why cars are forced to park by the sides of the roads," another person tweeted.

Meanwhile, a Twitter user attributed four problematic Malaysian cultures to the root of the problem. They are:
– The culture of parking anywhere even it's not allowed
– The culture of owning a vehicle as a sign of success
– The urban planning culture that does not think of future public transport developments
– There is no culture of cycling or walking to work

Many people sarcastically wished the victims in the incident "good luck" in claiming compensation from their insurance.

"This is the result of selfishness. The lorry gave a reminder. Thank you for the costly reminder," said a person.

"(The) truck driver doing a public service," tweeted a netizen.

In an attempt to address the big picture, one Twitter user said the problem lies not just with Malaysians' selfish attitude, but also the fact that there are too many vehicles on the road.