DBKL Is No Longer Allowed To Clamp Illegally-Parked Cars From November Onwards
The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur has given the directive.
By Andrea Tang — 26 Oct 2018, 01:27 PM
The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur has ordered the indefinite suspension of all clamping operations in the city starting from November 2018 onwards
The decision was made after the mayor witnessed an incident involving a resident and DBKL officers at Taman Tun Dr Ismail recently
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan felt that such enforcement gave a negative view of his agency, Malay Mail reported.
“The mayor said he felt he was the one being scolded by the resident, and the incident made DBKL look bad, so he decided to suspend clamping,” a source told The Star.
This is not the first time DBKL mulled suspending car-clamping operations
According to Malaysiakini, DBKL decided to suspend clamping operations with immediate effect pending a review in May this year following requests of MPs.
“This time, however, there is no turning back as the directive is from the mayor himself,” the source told The Star.
The suspension was implemented despite DBKL giving parking operator Vista Summerose authorisation to clamp cars
“Unfortunately, it is true and we are disappointed because we have a contract that clearly spells out that DBKL authorised us to clamp illegally parked vehicles,’’ Vista Summerose managing director Datuk Nik Haidi Nik Mohamad said.
It could cost DBKL more than RM80 million in compensation as the parking operator has invested a lot on logistics alone
Datuk Nik Haidi is also concerned about the livelihood of over 100 Vista Summerose staff as they would be out of a job by November.
Additionally, traffic offences are expected to increase next month after the suspension comes into effect
“Clamping was the most effective enforcement method in easing congestion in Kuala Lumpur and we have proven it countless times in the past,’’ Datuk Nik Haidi said, adding that traffic would clear almost immediately when his enforcement team arrives at a congested area.
DBKL clamps an average of 915 vehicles and over 3,000 cars get issued compound notices daily
Datuk Nik Haidi said that although DBKL offered discounts for traffic summonses last month, no one took it seriously.