PETALING JAYA (Oct 26): Clamping operations in Kuala Lumpur will be suspended indefinitely from next month, says a report, following a directive from Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan.

The Star reports that DBKL sources said that a meeting between DBKL executive director (planning) Datuk Mahadi Che Ngah and senior officers from the legal and finance departments as well as the parking operator, had occurred to discuss the matter.

The source said that the mayor came to the decision after seeing an exchange between a motorist and DBKL officers in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, where the motorist, whose car had been clamped berated the officer.  

The mayor was embarrassed by the incident.

“The mayor said he felt he was the one being scolded by the resident, and the incident made DBKL look bad, so he decided to suspend clamping,” the source was quoted as saying.

When contacted, Mahadi said it was not confirmed yet.

On average, 915 vehicles are clamped per day, and 3,600 compound notices are issued daily.

DBKL’s parking contract is outsourced to Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan (YWP), which at the time was under the leadership of Federal Territories Minister and Umno politician Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

YWP subsequently privatised the enforcement of parking rules and wheel clamping to contractor Vista Summerose.

Vista Summerose managing director Datuk Nik Haidi Nik Mohamad, reportedly confirms that the meeting with Mahadi last week took place about the suspension of clamping.

“Unfortunately, it is true and we are disappointed because we have a contract that clearly spells out that DBKL authorised us to clamp illegally parked vehicles,” he said.

“It is going to cost DBKL a lot (in compensation). I estimate it to be not less than RM80mil as we were given the authorisation to manage parking and clamping.

“We have invested a lot of money on the logistics alone,” Nik Haidi said.

He also said that at least 100 employees would be out of a job by next month if clamping were suspended.

He also expressed concern that traffic offenses would increase.

“Clamping was the most effective enforcement method in easing congestion in Kuala Lumpur and we have proven it countless times in the past.

“Honestly, clamping is the best enforcement method, better than issuing compound notices for traffic offences,’’ he said.

The daily has previously reported about businessmen in busy areas who complained about “rampant” wheel-clamping in areas with insufficient parking.

Businessman Daniel Foo in the Old Klang Road area was quoted as saying: “I have seen officers waiting around just to clamp the cars of those who park to run a quick errand, even though the vehicles were not blocking anyone.”