THE Pahang government has misled the public on the parking issue in Tanah Rata, said M. Manogaran.

The Cameron Highlands by-election candidate for Pakatan Harapan said Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail has failed to understand the needs of the residents here.

“Pahang MB said that the parking charges will only apply to tourist spots but now they have placed parking bays in residential areas too.

“He has misled the people on this,” he said after visiting Lorong Camelia 1 where private homes have been affected by the parking bays.

Wan Rosdy had refuted Manogaran’s claims that parking rates in Cameron Highlands were exorbitant and unfair.

He said that parking rates only applied to Tanah Rata, Brinchang and Kea Farm as they are popular tourist destinations.

He said that there are no parking rates for residential areas such as Lembah Bertam, Ringlet, Habu, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kg Raja.

Wan Rosdy said the parking rates were imposed to reduce illegal parking and hoarding of parking places by traders.

During the site visit, Manogaran said the parking bays are located 2m in front of the single storey houses in Tanah Rata.

Manogaran said  Tanah Rata and Brinchang are the biggest residential area in Cameron Highlands.

“How can the MB say that collecting parking fees daily will not affect the people here.

“He was trying to defend himself by saying that the people can get a 25% discount on the parking fees if they apply  for a yearly pass.”

He said that 25% only applies to those who apply for a yearly pass that costs RM720.

“The monthly pass in Cameron Highlands is RM60 which is more than Temerloh (RM50) and Kuantan (RM52).

“The assemblayman had raised this issue to no avail.

“We want the state government to take proactive measures and give a discount and at a waiver for parking at least for one of days in a week.

“Now they are paying parking seven days straight and on public holidays.” – January 19, 2019.