Sibu: DAP Sarawak committee member Stanley Chiew has urged the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) to reconsider its decision to abolish the longstanding midday free parking period under the town’s upgraded smart parking system, warning that the move will add to the financial burden faced by residents amid rising living costs.
Chiew was responding to SMC’s announcement that its smart parking system will be fully implemented from July, including the removal of the existing free parking period from 12 pm to 1.30 pm.
While supporting smart city initiatives and parking digitalisation, Chiew said reforms should be aimed at improving convenience and reducing costs for the public rather than becoming a means of increasing revenue collection.
“The implementation of the smart parking system should, in theory, reduce costs related to paper coupon printing, manpower management, and administrative operations, while improving overall efficiency.
“Therefore, if digital reform ultimately results only in a more comprehensive fee-collection system, without delivering more affordable and people-friendly services, the public will naturally question whether smart parking is truly meant to enhance public service, or merely to increase revenue for the municipal council,” he said in a statement.
Chiew noted that the midday free parking period has long been a benefit enjoyed by office workers, traders, and residents who use the lunch hour to dine, conduct banking transactions, shop for necessities, and attend to official matters. He said the arrangement has also contributed to economic activity in the town centre.
He argued that the abolition of the lunch-hour exemption means motorists will have to pay for parking continuously from 8 am to 5 pm, increasing daily expenses, even for short lunchtime trips.
Chiew said local authorities should focus on easing the burden on residents who are already facing rising food prices and higher household expenses.
He also expressed concern over the impact on food and beverage operators, noting that lunchtime is a key trading period for businesses in the town centre. Any reduction in customer visits due to increased parking costs could negatively affect small and medium-sized enterprises, he said.
Chiew further called on the council to ensure adequate support for elderly residents and those unfamiliar with smartphone technology as electronic parking services are rolled out.
He urged SMC to retain the existing free parking period, introduce a more people-friendly fee structure, and engage stakeholders through broader public consultation before implementing policies that affect the wider community.
