The Selangor state government has taken steps to review the implementation of the new smart parking agreement after receiving heavy criticism from the public over the appointment of Rantaian Mesra Sdn Bhd as the sole concessionaire for four local authorities (PBTs) in the state.
State Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the implementation of the system, which was supposed to start on August 1, is now likely to be delayed, while the details of the tripartite agreement between the PBT, Rantaian Mesra and the private concessionaire are being finalised.
He stressed that the deal was not a form of sale, but rather a strategic partnership that would allow the state government to maintain its interest in the implementation of the smart parking system.
Previously, social media users including former Barisan Nasional leader Datuk Eric See-To raised questions about the transparency of the process, including conflicting statements about the status of Rantaian Mesra and the initial involvement of a private company that was allegedly already operating before the agreement was signed.
It is understood that the concessionaire will invest RM200 million to install 1,800 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and smart parking infrastructure in the MBPJ, MBSJ, MBSA and MPS areas.
However, all aspects of enforcement will remain under the jurisdiction of the PBTs, in accordance with the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Local Government Act 1976.
The privatisation method of parking management is not new in Selangor, with the five existing PBTs still using the concession system since 1996.
The State Government has assured that this new approach will ensure a ‘win-win’ situation for the people and the authorities through higher revenue collection without burdening the PBTs with operational costs.
