Double-parking, rule breaches blamed for daily gridlock as limited bays and ongoing construction strain access
GEORGE TOWN: Illegal parking and a worsening shortage of parking bays around Penang General Hospital continue to choke nearby roads daily despite enforcement efforts by local authorities.
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has raised fresh concerns over irresponsible parking practices across the island, warning that the situation is creating hazards, disrupting traffic and inconveniencing both motorists and pedestrians.
Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said a recent survey found many drivers still flouting parking rules, leaving vehicles in prohibited areas without regard for regulations.
“The situation has reached a critical level, particularly along Jalan Residensi near Penang General Hospital, where vehicles are frequently parked on double yellow lines in clear breach of traffic laws.”
He said congestion around the hospital had worsened as illegally parked vehicles reduced road space and slowed traffic flow.
The issue persists despite enforcement measures taken earlier this year by Penang Island City Council.
On March 5, mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said illegal parking along Jalan Residensi had reduced a four-lane stretch to just two usable lanes.
He said the council would take a measured approach by not towing or clamping vehicles along a designated section before 5pm, unless double-parking was involved, but vehicles left after 5pm would be towed.
Rajendran also stressed that congestion affects thousands of road users and even a single illegally parked vehicle can trigger serious bottlenecks.
Penang General Hospital, the main tertiary referral centre for northern Malaysia, operates with more than 1,000 beds and is undergoing a major redevelopment expected to be completed by 2029.
The RM758 million expansion includes a new specialist clinic and ward block, a women and children’s block and a stem cell centre.
Once completed, the projects are expected to add hundreds of beds and significantly increase parking capacity.
Construction has further compounded the parking crunch, with part of the hospital compound closed off while many remaining bays are occupied by staff vehicles throughout the day.
As a result, patients and visitors are often left with little choice but to double-park or leave vehicles on surrounding roads.
Beyond the hospital area, the association also flagged misuse of public parking bays along Market Street, where individuals have used barrels, plastic chairs, flower pots and other objects to reserve spaces.
CAP added that vehicles parked on pavements and at bus stops are worsening congestion and obstructing pedestrian access.
The association warned that such practices pose safety risks to pedestrians and road users, beyond causing inconvenience.
It called on the council and traffic police to step up enforcement and take firm, consistent action against offenders.
“Immediate and decisive measures are needed to restore order, improve traffic flow and safeguard the rights and safety of all road users in Penang,” Mohideen said.