MBPG: Nearly 600 complaints received on cars obstructing entry to homes

STERN action will be taken against individuals who fail to respond to warnings issued by the city council, Pasir Gudang mayor Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman says.

Vehicle owners who failed to remove their vehicles when obstructing public roads or their neighbours’ homes would be issued compounds of between RM100 and RM2,000, he said.

The compounds will be issued based on reports and will not be limited to housing areas, as it will cover all locations in Pasir Gudang including apartments and flats.

“These are some of the things that we are looking to enforce next year following a number of public complaints, especially on those obstructing entry to houses.

“If parked vehicles are obstructing other road users, waste collection trucks or school buses, then we will issue a 21-day notice for owners to remove their vehicles,” said Asman Shah.

The compound can be issued under Section 48(1) of Land Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), Section 48(1) and Section 49(1)(g) of Drainage and Buildings Act 1974 (Act 133), Section 3(n) of Vandalism Ordinance (Pasir Gudang Municipal Council) 2011, or Sections 17(1) and 17(2) of Pasir Gudang Local Government Road Ordinance 2011.

“These regulations were introduced 15 years ago and have only been enforced lately following public complaints.

“It will be re-introduced in phases and through paperwork that has been tabled and approved by the 24 councillors,” said Asman Shah.

The mayor said Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) would hold public sessions until the end of the year to highlight rules and regulations that it would enforce.

“MBPG sees the need to intervene to preserve harmony between residents, as there have been reports of neighbours quarrelling due to these issues.”

He said 95% of the reports came from those living in Pasir Gudang.

“Compounds will only be issued to repeat offenders.”

He said MBPG was well aware that the majority of homes in Pasir Gudang were old houses that could only accommodate one vehicle.

Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said MBPG had received close to 600 reports regarding vehicles obstructing entry to houses.

“The reports were received from last year until last September and formed the bulk of complaints recorded by the state’s 16 local councils.”

He said there had been claims that local councils would take action against those who parked in front of their own houses.

“This is not true. MBPG will only take action when there are reports of a vehicle obstructing a public road or the entry to a house.

“Last year, we received 242 reports of obstructions in front of houses, and this year up to September, we have received 349 cases.

“So there has been an increase and we expect this number to continue to rise.

“Other councils such as Johor Baru City Council and Iskandar Puteri City Council also received similar reports, but not as high as Pasir Gudang.”

Of the 591 reported cases, MBPG only issued a compound once last January, after the owner refused to move his vehicle that was obstructing entry to a house, said Mohd Jafni.

“The city council issued a summons of RM300 after the individual ignored the first, second and third notices from MBPG to remove the vehicle.

“MBPG and all other local councils in Johor have been told to adopt a more understanding approach when dealing with issues involving the public,” he added.