Latest news with #RM3mil
The Star
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Contradictheory: Parking hell in KL
I live in a neighbourhood that's just around the corner from a bustling commercial area. It's got almost everything, from a few mamak stalls, a supermarket, and a wet market to a hospital even, across the road. Yes, there are no playgrounds or libraries, but it's still a pretty good place to be. Now, when I say it's 'just around the corner', I mean it's a five-minute drive. But sometimes, it's actually faster to take the 20-minute walk. Why? Because finding parking is like playing musical chairs, if it's a game with 20 moving players looking at 30 full seats, one of which is occupied by a Vellfire that's actually too big for its space. Things get even more chaotic on Fridays during prayer time, or on pasar malam days. And if there's a Ramadan bazaar? Forget it. I imagine some might find it worthwhile taking taxis from where they park. To be fair, enforcement is hard. Malaysians find it easy to forget to pay for their parking, which then means there's no cost to keeping the car there for as long as they like. How bad is it? According to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), there are 59,000 street parking bays in KL and prior to 2024, they generated about RM12mil a year from these spots. This now becomes one of those maths word problems. Let's assume a parking rate of 80 sen per hour (this is the lowest rate, which is about a third of the maximum possible). How many parking bays do you need filled up Monday to Saturday, from 7.30am to 6pm, to generate that much revenue? Answer: Just over 4,500 parking lots need to be occupied full time for a whole year. This represents about 7.7% of all street parking bays available. Which might mean over 90% of people who park don't pay for parking, and really should. It's OK, because these malefic transgressors will then be fined, and we will get income through that, right? Except that parking related fines only contribute an additional RM3mil annually (and that includes those who parked on a yellow line, or double park). While it's easy for us to bemoan Malaysians and their lack of civic-mindedness, I should point you to a study on Bangkok which reported that, in 2020, only 18% of motorists paid their fines. Meanwhile in the United States, one study showed more than 20% of drivers don't pay for their parking, depending on the city. All this of course results in less income for the local authority. For example, DBKL projected in its 2025 budget presentation that they will collect RM34.12mil in parking revenue, representing 1.41% of its budget. You will note that its anticipated earnings is significantly higher than the RM12mil quoted before. The bulk of it is because they hope to be stricter in enforcement – or at least the perception of it. As the DBKL Enforcement Department director said, 'When people see enforcement officers on the ground, they're more likely to pay for parking'. However, I'm fairly reluctant for the city to fund itself by fining its citizens. It almost creates a perverse incentive where you're hoping as many people as possible break the law so you can collect more money. Indeed, there is a news report from 2013 where in order to meet quotas set by councils in London, civil enforcement officers (fundamentally, privatised traffic wardens) were pressured to issue more tickets, with threats of withholding holidays or overtime pay. But I'll even go one step further. I think city councils should not see parking lots as a cash cow to maximise profits. They should see them as tools with which to manage traffic flow in and around the city. Take for example an initiative in New York City in 2012. The city introduced higher parking rates during peak hours, which then discouraged long-term parking, and encouraged turnover. The result? People parked 20% less long in time, more people found available spaces (18% increase in unique visitors), and overall traffic dropped by 7% as people stopped having to circle endlessly looking for spaces. Seattle, in the state of Washington, meanwhile tries to find the lowest hourly rate that leaves at least one or two parking spaces available on every block throughout the day. They adjust their rates three times a year, and use time of day, day of the week, and events to modify rates. Amsterdam increased parking rates by 65%, resulting in fewer cars from outside the local area coming in, and more space for locals who have parking permits, and better traffic flow during rush hour. The point isn't profit, but to help the people in the city. Parking that is expensive enough also discourages people from taking cars, and encourages us to take public transport. Of course, all of this only works if enforcement works, and is seen to be fair. And, at least in the short term, fines should be used to fund strong enforcement teams. The other requirement is improved public transportation links, which further reduce overall traffic. My personal hope is that somewhere like KL's Bukit Bintang area will be car free. And if we're really hopeful, in some future utopia with self-driving cars and artificial intelligence- aided traffic control, all this will be irrelevant. But until then, parking availability is part of an integral system, rather than just a piecemeal add-on feature to a neighbourhood. Imagine how much more we would benefit if we could erase the parking lines, take away cars, and build – dare I say – playgrounds and libraries. Logic is the antithesis of emotion but mathematician-turned-scriptwriter Dzof Azmi's theory is that people need both to make sense of life's vagaries and contradictions. Write to Dzof at lifestyle@ The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own.
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
KLIA set to go green for Visit Malaysia 2026
Work in progress: An officer from the KLIA Department of Landscape explaining the proposed development plan for the country's entrance point at KLIA, during a press conference in Sepang. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star SEPANG: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is set to get a refreshing green makeover, just in time to welcome the world for Visit Malaysia 2026. By early next year, travellers arriving at or departing from KLIA can look forward to a more scenic and vibrant airport experience, thanks to a RM3mil landscaping project announced by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (pic). Themed 'Harmony in Diversity,' the initiative aims to transform the main entrances of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 into lush, welcoming gateways with the addition of various plants such as Teh Pagar, Mexican Petunia, Willow Leaf and Green Aralia. One standout feature is a striking new signboard installed at the final stretch of the exit road. Decorated with batik motifs and greenery, the message 'WELCOME TO MALAYSIA' will leave a lasting impression on visitors. To further enhance the airport atmosphere, vertical garden walls will be added at the drop-off zones, incorporating arrangements of various plants and traditional batik patterns on the sidewalks and pillars. 'This project will play a vital role in strengthening KLIA's image as our premier national entry gateway, showcasing both our unique cultural diversity and environmental commitment to visitors. 'It reflects the continuous efforts of the government in enhancing public spaces and creating a more sustainable, liveable, and conducive environment for the overall well-being of the community,' Nga said during a press conference at KLIA yesterday. He added that the design will be fully handled by the National Landscape Department in partnership with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). The works are expected to take around six months, with maintenance overseen by the contractor until December 2026. After that, full responsibility will be handed over to MAHB. Nga said the greening effort aligns with the government's broader goals in promoting tourism as the country gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (July 17, 2025)
Malaysia * Injured tapir rescued from Selangor durian orchard * Missing university student found dead in Kuala Lumpur * GOF detects more than 100 illegal bases in Kelantan * Marine police seize smuggled smokes worth RM2.3mil in Pasir Mas * Immigration Department detains 35 foreigners without valid permits * Kelantan police raid 'gay party' in Kemumin * Six-month-old baby dies of suspected suffocation at Melaka childcare centre * Teacher claims trial to sexually assaulting pupil, 10 * MACC's contribution not settlement for Teoh Beng Hock's case, says Loke * A guiding hand: Sabah retiree spends her mornings teaching stateless kids * KLIA undergoes RM3mil green makeover for Visit Malaysia 2026 * Power theft linked to crypto mining costs RM4.8bil in losses, says deputy minister * All pre-university pathways to be placed under Higher Education Ministry * New e-commerce legislation to be tabled next year * Man jailed 18 months for smashing police station door * Rally an attempt to remain politically relevant says PM's aide * Serial sexual assault suspect to be charged on July 18 * Syndicate stashes drugs in livestock, says cops * JPJ plans rehab course for suspended PSV, GDL licence holders * GOF raids illegal Batu Gajah factory, seizes RM10mil worth of metal * Teenage biker killed, younger brother seriously injured in Muar collision * JPJ in final stages of reviewing demerit points system for traffic offences * Bersatu appoints Hamzah Zainudin as election director * EPF ceases to be substantial shareholder in SunCon * Durian farmer dies in suspected accidental shooting with homemade firearm Singapore * Singaporean actor Li Nanxing on reuniting with Chow Yun Fat at Star Awards: 'I consider him more a friend than an idol' * Coffee Meets Bagel's Singpass check: Why I'll swipe right on that * Two weeks' jail for man caught smuggling over 1,800 vapes and pods into Singapore * Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail * S$7,000 fine for eatery chain involved in ByteDance food poisoning case * Sunway secures RM2.33bil Singapore land tender for residential development * Singapore Prison Service debunks online claims that it launched 'the world's first floating prison' Indonesia * Police detain 12 suspects of baby trafficking syndicate * Prabowo and Trump have struck tariff deal – but at what cost to Indonesia? * Mount Rinjani: Adventure turns to tragedy * Bali emerges as major hot spot for transnational drug trafficking: Narcotics Agency Thailand * Woman who seduced, blackmailed monks nabbed * Thaksin testifies in defamation case * Three Thai soldiers injured after stepping on landmine during patrol at Cambodian border * Supreme Patriarch urges Thai govt to act against monks violating celibacy vow * Thai EC announces investigation into alleged Senate election fraud, 229 individuals facing charges * Thailand to offer Trump no duties on 90% of goods, adviser says * Man in Thailand injured after falling face first onto durian in traffic accident Philippines * Philippine senator seeks inquiry into selling of babies online * Volcanic eruption ends day's search for bodies of Filipino cockfighters * Tropical Depression Crising could make landfall in Philippines' Cagayan Friday (July 18) night: Pagasa Vietnam * Vietnam footballers target third straight Asean U23 title * Vietnam targets US$4.5bil in cashew exports for 2025 Myanmar * Ancient ball game battles for survival * Myanmar's tin exports set to rise as major hub resumes mining * Myanmar junta begins approving political parties ahead of expected elections Cambodia * Cambodia makes 1,000 arrests in latest crackdown on cybercrime * Cambodia's trade with Asean reaches US$8.45bil in H1 Laos * Laos, Cambodia strengthen joint efforts against transnational crime * Villages in Laos inundated as heavy rain lashes provinces Brunei * New Brunei offshore agreement signals energy sector rejuvenation * Forum highlights Brunei's sustainable growth potential Aseanplus * When the working class takes a hit * AI porn case under criminal probe * Baidu to deploy driverless cars on Uber * Two arrested for stealing exam papers * Air India crash probe focuses on actions of plane's captain, WSJ reports * South Korea's Lee orders new investigation team to look into deadly 2022 crush * Bursa Malaysia bounces higher after two-day slump * Ringgit rebounds on softer US stance towards China * Factbox-How could Japan's election affect economic policy? * Huawei tops China smartphone market for first time in years * US tariffs could drag Asean-5 GDP growth to 1.5% in 2026 - economist * Air India junior pilot asked captain why he turned off fuel switches * 'My car's being swept away': South Korean flood victim's last call to wife * Asian stocks struggle as traders eye Fed saga, trade war * Soon Huat-Shevon storm into Japan Open quarter-finals * Japan says 'extremely regrettable' Japanese national was found guilty in China * HK actor Jacky Heung sued over RM757,000 gambling debt, case now settled says Macau casino * Asean nations urged to cooperate on lowering cost of next-gen drugs for HIV patients * South Korea lashed by heavy rain, two dead and more than 1,000 evacuated * Death of Australia's 'Outback Killer' leaves whereabouts of British backpacker's body unknown * Air India probe of Boeing 787 fuel control switches finds no issues * Oil up as demand expectations, economic data lift sentiment * Zahid hopes for closer Malaysia-NZ cooperation in disaster management * South Korea's top court clears Samsung Chairman Lee in 2015 merger fraud case * Former Taiwanese boy band F4 reunite for surprise performance at Mayday concert * New pier completed at North Korea rocket launch site, satellite imagery shows * Gold prices slip as dollar firms, Trump eases Powell uncertainty * China school expels woman for sex with Ukraine man that 'hurts national dignity' * Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan kill 54 people in 24 hours * China school expels woman for sex with Ukraine man that 'hurts national dignity' * Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan kill 54 people in 24 hours * 'Aku cinta padamu, Malaysia', says K-drama star Lee Soo-hyuk as he meets delirious fans in Kuala Lumpur * Japan to host US Treasury Secretary as trade deal deadline looms * Trump set to visit Pakistan in September, reports say * India's Karnataka govt report blames Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede that killed 11 * Malaysia committed to successful negotiations with US to lower tariffs, says Tok Mat * 'Sure is a great way to get fit and healthy,' says Hannah Yeoh on pickleball, the raging phenomenon that has hit Malaysia and the region * Hong Kong police arrest man on suspicion of pushing boy, 9, into sea * Ex-top China student gets low exam score, parents kick him out, change door code * US aims to ban Chinese technology in undersea telecommunications cables * Singer Jenny Tseng falls victim to theft, loses items exceeding RM30k at London airport * Malaysia strongly condemns Israeli airstrikes in Syria, Lebanon * Golf-Mickelson rolls back years with early magic at Portrush * Pearly-Thinaah complete Malaysia's quarter-final line-up in Japan Open * Golf-Players chase birdies at Portrush as hawks target seagulls * Labubu is not the first toy craze: From Tamagotchi to Beanie Babies, a history of viral toys * Sze Fei-Izzuddin dig deep to secure spot in Japan Open quarters * Cops probing alleged extortion of Taiwanese woman at PJ roadblock * Bangladesh police arrest 20 after deadly clashes in ousted premier's hometown * Keris Strike 2025 to engage over 4,000 military personnel from three nations * South Korea's exam paper thieves suspected to have been active for at least two years * Japanese actress Nagiko Tono found dead in her Tokyo apartment
The Star
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
KLIA undergoes RM3mil green makeover for Visit Malaysia 2026
SEPANG: A new RM3mil green landscaping project to beautify the surroundings of KL International Airport (KLIA) ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 is set to be completed by early next year, says Nga Kor Ming. The Housing and Local Government Minister revealed that the project will bring noticeable aesthetic improvements to the main entrances of KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The roads leading out from both terminals will also receive a green makeover, with various new plants added along the path for a more natural look. Themed "Harmony in Diversity," the project will include plants such as Teh Pagar (commonly used for hedges), Mexican Petunia, Willow Leaf, and Green Aralia. The final stretch of road before exiting KLIA is expected to feature a new large signboard, decorated with batik patterns and plants, with the words "Welcome to Malaysia" displayed prominently as visitors drive away from the airport. The drop-off areas of the terminals are also set to become much livelier with new vertical landscape walls planned to be added along the sidewalks and attached to the pillars, featuring an arrangement of various plant species and batik patterns. "This project will play a vital role in strengthening KLIA's image as our premier national entry gateway, showcasing both our unique cultural diversity and environmental commitment to visitors. "The landscape development commitment reflects the continuous efforts of the government in enhancing public spaces and creating a more sustainable, livable, and conducive environment for the overall well-being of the community. "It also aligns with our ambition to further prepare for and promote Visit Malaysia 2026 next year," he said in a press conference at KLIA on Thursday (July 17). Nga noted that the design of the project would be developed entirely by the National Landscape Department in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). He added that the project is estimated to take at least six months to complete, with maintenance works to be handled by the project's contractor until Dec 2026, after which it will be handed over entirely to MAHB.
The Star
09-07-2025
- The Star
Friendship is blind, even to family's scam warnings
MUAR: For the past six months, a female entrepreneur from Bukit Bakri here has been riding her motorcycle for 20 minutes to the Muar commercial centre to deposit money to her 'male friend', who apparently lives in Turkiye. The woman, in her 60s, has since deposited more than RM380,000 to the man whom she got to know through Facebook in January. Muar Municipal Council councillor Eng Chong Yang (pic), who was alerted about the case when the woman was once again attempting to transfer money at a bank, said she refused to believe that she had been scammed despite repeated warnings from family members and bank staff. 'The male friend claimed to be a Malaysian working in Turkiye. After the woman got to know him on Facebook, they moved their conversation to WhatsApp and kept in frequent contact. 'The man apparently told her that he had sent her RM3mil in cash as a gift for their friendship, but the parcel was allegedly held up by authorities and could only be released after certain fees were paid,' said Eng. The woman had been transferring money into multiple bank accounts under this pretext without her husband's and son's knowledge. However, her activities were later discovered by her family, leading to a major quarrel. Her family had even lodged three police reports and confronted her many times because they believed she was being scammed. 'Last week, after the woman's son found out that she had left home to once again deposit money to her friend in Turkiye, he followed her,' said Eng. 'By the time he finally found her at a bank, she had already deposited about RM35,000 into a stranger's bank account using a cash deposit machine. The transaction led to a heated argument in public. 'A bank staff member, who had earlier advised the woman against making the deposit, immediately contacted me for help. 'I intervened by listening to the woman's side of the story and explained to her that she had fallen victim to a scam,' he added. Eng said the woman's son had tried various measures to stop her from making the transactions, including trying to hide her mobile phone so that she could not contact her 'friend'. However, she managed to find the device in her son's room after he fell asleep, said Eng, adding that the discovery led to another argument a few days after the incident at the bank. Her son once again asked for Eng's help to advise his mother. However, she still appeared unconvinced and insisted that the male friend was genuine and that she wanted to get her hands on the parcel. 'I gave her firm advice and told her that the police are handling the case, so she should stop contacting the scammer. 'Her son is still holding on to her mobile phone, as he is worried that she will fall back into her old ways,' Eng said. He added that he would check on the family again soon and advise the woman to change her phone number. Eng said he is currently addressing a handful of complaints of scams involving senior citizens, including one case where the victim lost about RM2mil of his savings. He hopes to raise more public awareness by highlighting such cases, adding that even successful professionals could fall victim to scams if they are not careful. 'I also encourage the public to be vigilant regarding their elderly parents. Don't assume that they won't get scammed just because they are not tech-savvy. 'Most scammers know how to guide senior citizens through banking transactions involving large sums of money,' Eng said. Those who believe they may have fallen victim to scams can report their concerns to the National Scam Response Centre by dialling 997, or may contact their nearest police station for assistance. For those in Johor, the police hotline can be reached at 07-221 2999.
