Penang Increases Parking Rates By 50% To Combat Congestion

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) recently declared that parking prices within its authority would be raised by 50% as part of a revision that would take effect this month. The parking cost increase, according to MBPP Mayor Datuk A Rajendran, is a component of the party's initiatives to enhance traffic flow and lessen island congestion.

Roadside parking fees on Penang Island have gone up from 40 sen to 60 sen per half hour and from 80 sen to RM1.20 per hour, according to the Penang State Government's monthly bulletin and website, Buletin Mutiara.

Furthermore, the daily parking charge has risen from RM6 to RM9. However, the monthly pass remains at the same price, RM150.


“Some motorists park their vehicles for 10 to 12 hours straight, making it difficult for others to find parking. This leads to drivers circling the area repeatedly, worsening congestion,” Rajendran says.

MBPP has taken stricter measures to curb traffic congestion at five locations on Penang Island: Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Dato' Keramat, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Burma, and Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu. These measures include increased enforcement against illegal parking and a ban on roadside waiting.

In addition, the municipal council plans to enforce parking time limits at high-demand locations on Penang Island, such as areas within Little India and Lebuh Chulia in George Town.