Muda Sounds Alarm Over Selangor Parking Privatisation Plan

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Muda expressed strong objections against the Selangor government’s latest parking privatisation plan, describing it as undermining local governance and eroding public trust.
Focusing on its impact on Petaling Jaya, the party argued that privatisation of street parking would effectively sideline the authority of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and raise serious legal and governance concerns.
“We are alarmed that MBPJ - the rightful authority under the Road Transport Act 1987 - is being stripped of its statutory function to manage and enforce parking within its jurisdiction.
“The Act clearly mandates that the ‘appropriate authority’ for the management of street parking rests with the local council, not the state or its private appointees,” said Muda executive committee member VKK Rajasekaran Teagarajan.
ADSConcerns were also raised over the lack of transparency within the arrangement, especially after reports stated that local councils in Selangor would only receive 40 percent of the revenue collected from this arrangement.
Muda argued that the arrangement was disproportionate and “shortchanges the residents of Petaling Jaya, who rightly expect public revenue to be reinvested into local services.”
The party has called for a halt to the implementation of this new arrangement until proper consultation and scrutiny are conducted, and also urges the “reinstatement of good governance through an open and competitive tender process for any public-private partnership.”
“We reiterate that transparency, accountability, and legality must be the foundation of public service delivery. Any move to override local authorities without due process not only violates the law but erodes public trust.
“Muda calls on the Selangor state government and MBI Selangor to uphold the rule of law, and ensure that all decisions involving public assets and services are made in the best interest of the rakyat,” said Rajasekaran.
‘Contract can be terminated any time’
On Wednesday, Selangor state executive councillor for Local Government and Tourism, Ng Suee Lim, announced that Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) (MBI Selangor) agreed to work with concession company, Rantaian Mesra Sdn Bhd, to implement the first phase of this project.
The first phase, commencing on Aug 1, will affect street parking arrangements under the MBPJ, Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), and Selayang Municipal Council (MPS).
According to Ng, revenue from the arrangement would be “split equally” between the concessionaire and the state, with Rantaian Mesra receiving 50 percent of profits, local councils receiving 40 percent, and the remaining 10 percent channelled to MBI Selangor.
MBI is a statutory body established by the Selangor government to administer the state’s assets and investments.
Ng has denied claims of a closed tender process and says the move is part of Selangor’s efforts to boost parking revenue.
He explained that 26 companies responded to a proposal request by the Selangor government, before three were shortlisted.
“The final company was selected based on strict performance conditions. If targets are not met, the 10-year contract can be terminated at any time,” he said.
The Sekinchan MP also assured that the new system will not lead to higher parking rates, currently capped at between 40 to 60 sen per hour. - Mkini

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