KUCHING, Nov 23: Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) are being urged to abolish Kuching City Parking Systems Sdn Bhd’s (KCPS) ‘convenience fee’, allow withdrawal of excess credit, and maintain a manual counter for the purchase of season coupons to ensure accessibility for all community members.
In a statement, Michael Kong Feng Nian who is a special assistant to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, said that the introduction of a ‘convenience fee’ is causing distress.
“This fee, ranging from RM1.20 to a staggering RM15 for reloads between RM10 to RM500, is an additional burden on vehicle owners. It is crucial to note that this fee is in addition to the existing 6 per cent Service Tax!” he asserted.
He said imposing such a fee is not only unreasonable, but also counterproductive in an era when authorities want to encourage the public to switch to online payments.
“Instead of discouraging digital adoption through additional charges, the government should consider incentivising consumers through lower rates or cashbacks for embracing online payment modes.”
Furthermore, Kong stated that feedback from current users revealed the inconvenience of having to top up their accounts with money rather than using a more convenient direct debit mechanism.
“This transition has sparked dissatisfaction among the user base because there is no mechanism for withdrawal of their money should they no longer need to subscribe to the season parking coupons. Even the app clearly indicated that these credits purchased are ‘non-refundable’,” he claimed.
Kong said that as of Nov 25 this year, the process of acquiring season parking coupons in Kuching will be done exclusively through the BorneoPark Kuching mobile application.
“While embracing technological advancements is commendable, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not all members of our community are adept at mobile app transactions. This is particularly true for the elderly population who may not possess smartphones.
“Rather than entirely phasing out over-the-counter sales, provisions should be made to accommodate consumers who prefer traditional over-the-counter purchases,” he added. — DayakDaily
