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The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Flawed carparks driving users up the wall
HOT, stuffy and dimly lit – these are the conditions of many multistorey and basement carparks in Klang Valley brought about by poor design and upkeep. Motorists are often annoyed by the shortcomings found at these facilities meant to be a convenience for customers and visitors. Besides payment and customer service issues, safety concerns also top the visitors' complaints list. Mitra Themis, 53, recalled a frustrating episode with a parking ticket machine at a hotel in Petaling Jaya. 'My parking fee was RM9 and I paid with a RM20 note. But the machine didn't give any change or a receipt. 'I went to the parking management office to complain but it was closed as it was Sunday. I was told to come back on a weekday. 'But without a receipt, I had no way of proving my claim. In the end, I gave up as it was not worth the trouble,' she said. Many buildings have designated women-only parking bays to provide extra security for women drivers. Mohd Shafiq Azman, 33, said he could not forget being 'trapped' in a basement carpark two years ago. The IT executive from Cyberjaya, Selangor, was going home after parking at a Kuala Lumpur mall to attend an event. 'Several exits were closed for maintenance and there were no notices or security guards to direct motorists inside the carpark. 'After driving in circles for nearly half an hour after paying the parking fee, the grace period to exit expired. 'I had to get another ticket from the management office,' he said, adding that the carpark was uncomfortably warm due to poor ventilation. Some carparks have transitioned to using cashless payment options such as Touch'nGo or QR codes but not everyone welcomes this change. Shah Alam resident Mohd Luqman Idham, 29, said he had been to several basement carparks that used QR codes for payments. However, he experienced poor Internet connectivity underground that resulted in difficulties using those payment methods. He suggested that carparks offer more payment options. Inadequate safety is another concern for multistorey and basement carpark users, especially women motorists. Kajang resident V. Naidu, 46, avoided buildings that did not have women-only parking zones. 'I prefer carparks that have women security guards as this makes me feel safer.' She said she did not feel safe in poorly lit parking lots and suggested that closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV cameras) be made compulsory at carparks in busy areas. Public awareness about women's safety in carparks spiked after the 2003 abduction and murder of Canny Ong, who was kidnapped from a shopping mall carpark in Bangsar. Following the incident, some malls and public buildings introduced women-only parking zones, typically located near entrances. Narrow ramps, entrance and exits, as well as sharp bends have also been identified as problems in indoor carparks. 'Once, my car hit the wall while going up a narrow ramp,' said Charlotte Law, 44, a property agent from Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. 'I also avoid parking at dimly lit facilities and prefer to park as near as possible to the entrance.' Damansara resident Mohd Firdaus Sufiyan Kamal Hadany, 28, said he was dissatisfied with the lack of proper signage at some malls. 'There have been times when I had to ask the security guard for directions inside these parking facilities. 'It is also difficult to locate the carpark entrance at some malls due to lack of signage or confusing directions,' he added. This bay reserved for parents with children is equipped with parking chocks to prevent collision. Recommendations Building experts and activists have offered suggestions on how the user experience in indoor carparks can be improved. Architect Mustapha Kamal, who runs an architecture and urban design firm in Petaling Jaya, said ensuring proper ventilation was a must. He said the ceiling must be high enough to enable proper air circulation. According to him, this is important to prevent any stench or mould from forming inside these facilities. 'Developers and building managers may also explore using chilled water systems to cool the facilities and reduce stuffiness.' Mustapha also emphasised the need for proper drainage to remove excess water and prevent ponding. 'Unlike outdoor carparks which have rougher flooring, the surface of indoor ones is generally more slippery,' he said. 'When wet, they may pose hazards for motorists and pedestrians,' said Mustapha. Zac Cheong, vice-secretary for Transit Malaysia, a non-governmental organisation that advocates for better public transport, suggested the retention of cash-payment machines. 'Not everyone is tech-savvy. Some senior citizens might struggle with using apps and QR codes.' Cheong also highlighted that some basement carpark exit gates were positioned on inclined ramps. He said this setup increased the risk of accidents if cars were lined up too closely. 'To improve safety, gates should be placed at the bottom of the ramp, before the incline begins,' he pointed out. Cheong also suggested that building management hire a third-party operator to manage their carparks. Wet floors in indoor parking lots pose risks for motorists. Facility guidelines Many guidelines by the authorities exist for design and construction of indoor carparks. Among them is the 2017 Carpark Planning Guideline issued by Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia), which outlines several requirements such as the provision of CCTV cameras, emergency buttons, and security personnel. It also recommends that uniform lighting, with a minimum brightness of 100 lumens per square metre, be provided throughout the facility. 'To discourage speeding, speed breakers should be installed and bays must be equipped with parking chocks to prevent collision. (Chock is a wedge or block that keeps a vehicle in place or stops it from rolling.) 'This is in addition to having signage and convex mirrors at blind spots to help motorists navigate,' the PLANMalaysia Carpark Planning Guideline stated. It also outlines the minimum number of bays needed for a carpark. The figure varies depending on the type of premises, such as commercial or residential. In Kuala Lumpur, developers building commercial premises that fail to meet this minimum requirement are liable to a RM60,000 charge for each missing bay, payable to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). This is stipulated in the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Carpark Planning Guideline effective June 25 last year. Motorists risk getting their cars damaged by narrow ramps. It also requires that at least 7% of bays in indoor carparks at commercial premises, like shopping centres, hypermarkets and departmental stores, are reserved for lone women drivers. However, the guideline grants exceptions for commercial developments within transportation hubs such as KL Sentral, MidValley Megamall and Plaza Pantai. Developments within these areas enjoy 50%, 35% and 30% bays respectively, with allowable reductions in parking bays without being subject to the RM60,000 charge. The Drainage and Irrigation Department's guidelines require basement carparks to be equipped with flood mitigation measures, including floodgates, CCTV cameras to monitor the water level, and an early warning system. A DBKL spokesperson said compliance with the DBKL guideline was mandatory and those failing to do so would be required to provide justification. 'The matter will then be reviewed at the One-Stop Centre where a decision will be made on whether a development order will be granted,' the spokesperson said.
New Paper
4 days ago
- Business
- New Paper
Tourists visiting Malaysia can now sign up for Touch 'n Go eWallet to make QR payments
Foreign tourists visiting Malaysia from Asean countries can now register for the Touch 'n Go (TNG) eWallet to enable cashless payments via QR code at supported merchants nationwide. This includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. TNG Digital says the move is especially beneficial for local businesses, such as hawkers, which typically do not accept card payments. Visitors to Malaysia registered with the TNG eWallet app will be able to top up their balance using credit or debit cards issued by banks in their home country. They are also not required to use a Malaysian phone number for registration, as verification codes will be sent via WhatsApp. The e-wallet operator further says that this would be expanded to other non-Asean markets soon, including China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan. For more information on the registration process, visit the TNG eWallet website.
Barnama
19-05-2025
- Barnama
- Tapping, Riding, Gliding – the Everyday Ease of Getting Around in China
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. Public transportation here doesn't just move people – it empowers them. Before arriving in China, I had heard much about its high-speed trains and sprawling cities, but nothing quite prepared me for how seamlessly everything functions together. From subways and high-speed rail (HSR) to ride-hailing apps and bike-sharing systems, China's infrastructure is impressively fast, affordable and well-organised. However, traffic regulations appear to be less strictly observed. Pedestrians often cross at zebra crossings even when the light is red, and some vehicles continue through crossings despite green pedestrian signals – posing risks to both walkers and cyclists. Take the Beijing Subway, for instance. With 27 lines and over 500 stations, it is one of the busiest metro systems in the world, yet it runs with remarkable efficiency and punctuality. This occurs despite the presence of hundreds of surveillance cameras monitoring the roads. Smarter Transportation Integration – All in One App Navigating China's vast cities has never been easier, thanks to real-time updates on apps like Baidu Maps and AMAP. Fares are remarkably affordable – starting as low as 1 yuan (about 60 sen) for short bicycle rides and 3 yuan (around RM2) for a subway trip – all payable through contactless methods like WeChat Pay or Alipay. Need a bus? Just check AMAP or Baidu Maps. Want a ride? Didi appears within seconds. Fancy a bike ride along tree-lined lanes? Shared bicycles are readily available, even in less touristy areas. Looking for an e-scooter? Just scan and go. While Malaysia is making progress with platforms like Touch 'n Go and Grab eWallet, the experience remains fragmented. Separate apps for MRT access, ride-hailing, and parking mean that travel is not yet as fluid or integrated. Effortless Transportation – Beyond the Mega Cities In Beijing, the subway system runs like clockwork, with stations so well-connected that transferring between lines feels almost effortless. What truly struck me, however, was that this level of convenience isn't confined to China's mega cities. I recently had the chance to visit Inner Mongolia under a programme organised by the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC), and even in Hohhot – the capital of the autonomous region – the transportation experience was just as smooth. The journey from bustling Beijing to the serene steppes of Hohhot was a masterclass in transport efficiency. It began at Beijing North Station, where I boarded the HSR to Hohhot. The train was punctual, comfortable and incredibly fast – covering the 400-km distance in just 2.5 hours. For comparison, that's almost the same time it takes to drive or go by train from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh, a journey spanning just 200 km. The HSR train reached speeds of 250 to 300 km per hour, yet the ride was so smooth I could work on my laptop without any disruption. What stood out further was the quality of infrastructure in Hohhot and even in Ulanqab. Roads were immaculate – no potholes, no uneven patches, just smooth driving surfaces. And bike lanes were clearly marked and dedicated – not only in city centres but even on the outskirts – making cycling both safe and convenient. Of course, it might be unrealistic to expect widespread daily cycling in Malaysia, given our hot and humid climate. The encouraging news is that Malaysia is making strides. The upcoming MRT3 line, continued improvements to the Electric Train Service (ETS), and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) – slated to begin operations in June 2026 – signal promising progress. However, to truly elevate the commuter experience, Malaysia would benefit from enhanced last-mile connectivity – such as dedicated lanes for bicycles and e-scooters, walkable paths, and a unified digital platform integrating all transport modes into a single app. Such advancements would go a long way in making daily travel smoother, smarter, and more accessible. -- BERNAMA Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.
Rakyat Post
14-05-2025
- Rakyat Post
Woman Loses RM5K After Answering A Call From 'Boss'
Subscribe to our FREE A Malaysian woman just lost RM5,000 to a scammer who perfectly mimicked her boss's voice using artificial intelligence (AI). Welcome to 2025, folks, where you can no longer trust your own ears. It's 5:30 PM, just another mundane workday at a local shop. The company phone won't stop ringing. On the other end? A voice that's unmistakably her boss—same tone, same speaking patterns, same everything. The 'boss' needs Touch 'n Go (TnG) PINs urgently. Nothing unusual there; he's asked for similar favours before. (Video: Trust Me, I Sound Just Like Your Boss So our protagonist does what any good employee would—she runs from convenience store to convenience store, buying PINs worth RM5,000. The voice on the phone keeps pushing for more, creating that perfect pressure cooker of urgency and authority. Then comes the gut punch: After sending the final PIN, the line goes dead. Phone's switched off. And when she finally reaches her actual boss? Yeah, you guessed it – he never made that call. 'It was an AI voice scam,' the police later told her, probably with the same resignation as a doctor delivering bad news. These scammers are using artificial intelligence to clone voices, turning our trust in familiar voices into their latest hunting ground. (Pix: When Every Call Could Be a Con This isn't some high-tech heist targeting corporations. It's happening to regular people, in regular shops, on regular afternoons. And if you're thinking, 'That wouldn't happen to me,' remember—this woman had every reason to believe she was talking to her actual boss. Here's the raw truth: In 2025, hanging up on an unknown caller isn't rude—it's self-defence. (Pix: Your voice is now something that can be stolen and weaponised against your loved ones. So next time your phone rings, remember this story. Because in a world where AI can make anyone sound like anyone else, maybe the only voice we should trust is the little one in our heads saying, 'Wait a minute, let me double-check this.' Stay woke, folks. The scammers sure are. READ MORE : READ MORE : READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Time Business News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Malaysia's Best Online Casino Experience: Where Winning Begins
The world of online gambling is rapidly transforming how people play, bet, and win. In Malaysia, this transformation is particularly evident as more players shift from traditional, land-based gaming to the immersive and rewarding world of online casino Malaysia platforms. Whether you're a seasoned player or a first-time visitor, choosing the best online casino Malaysia can dramatically enhance your gaming experience. Today, there are many Malaysia online casino options available, but only a few stand out when it comes to trust, game variety, bonuses, and security. One platform that has gained a reputation for excellence is Citinow—a trusted online casino Malaysia that caters specifically to the needs of Malaysian players. There are many reasons why casino online Malaysia platforms are booming. Convenience is a major factor. Players no longer need to travel to physical casinos. Instead, they can enjoy high-quality games and win real money from the comfort of their home or while on the go. Moreover, the digital casino space offers: 24/7 access Mobile-friendly gameplay Live dealers that replicate the feel of a real casino Fast deposits and withdrawals Access to global jackpots These advantages have made Malaysia casino online platforms a preferred choice for entertainment and income for many locals. The sheer number of options available online can be overwhelming. However, not all casinos are created equal. When evaluating the best online casino Malaysia, consider the following key elements: Licensing and Regulation Always choose a trusted online casino Malaysia that operates under a legitimate license from international authorities. This ensures fair play, financial security, and responsible gambling practices. Wide Range of Games The best platforms offer a rich selection of games, including video slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer games. A diverse game library ensures there's something for everyone, from casual players to high rollers. Generous Bonuses and Promotions Top Malaysia online casino sites offer more than just entertainment. They deliver real value through welcome bonuses, deposit matches, free spins, loyalty points, and cashback offers. Customer Support Reliable customer service is essential. Choose a casino that offers 24/7 support through live chat, email, or phone. Quick responses and helpful agents go a long way in creating a satisfying gaming experience. Fast and Safe Transactions A good casino online Malaysia should support popular payment methods like online banking, e-wallets (e.g., Touch 'n Go, Boost), and even cryptocurrency. More importantly, the platform must guarantee secure transactions and quick processing times. Among the leading Malaysia casino online sites, Citinow has carved out a strong position thanks to its player-first approach. Known for security, generous rewards, and an extensive game selection, Citinow is a true Malaysia platform for bonuses and gaming excellence. Trusted and Secure : Citinow is a trusted online casino Malaysia offering encrypted transactions and a fair gaming environment. : Citinow is a offering encrypted transactions and a fair gaming environment. Thousands of Games : With games from top providers, players can enjoy everything from classic slots to immersive live casino rooms. : With games from top providers, players can enjoy everything from classic slots to immersive live casino rooms. Lucrative Bonuses : Citinow regularly offers sign-up bonuses, VIP rewards, free spins, and cashback deals to maximize player value. : Citinow regularly offers sign-up bonuses, VIP rewards, free spins, and cashback deals to maximize player value. Local-Friendly Features : Citinow supports MYR transactions, local payment gateways, and promotions tailored for the Malaysian market. : Citinow supports MYR transactions, local payment gateways, and promotions tailored for the Malaysian market. Mobile Compatibility: With a responsive design, Citinow delivers seamless performance on mobile devices, tablets, and desktops alike. For fans of sports, online sports betting is an added bonus. Citinow lets you place bets on football, tennis, Formula 1, basketball, and even eSports—all in real time. This makes it a full-service online betting platform where you can enjoy the thrill of casino games and the excitement of live sports wagering on the same account. Whether you're backing your favorite football team or predicting the winner of a UFC match, Citinow offers competitive odds and live statistics to make every bet more strategic and thrilling. Real money online gambling isn't just about entertainment—it's about the potential to win big. Citinow supports real money play with transparent terms and responsible gambling policies. You'll find games with high Return to Player (RTP) percentages, progressive jackpots, and betting limits suitable for every bankroll. From casual play to professional strategies, Citinow supports your journey with tools like bet history, account controls, and deposit limits to ensure safe and enjoyable gaming. Online gambling in Malaysia has evolved into a sophisticated, secure, and exciting digital experience. Choosing the best online casino Malaysia means looking beyond flashy promotions to find a platform that delivers real value, fairness, and fun. With its strong reputation, rich features, and player-centric approach, Citinow is a top choice for those seeking a trusted online casino Malaysia. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
