Kota Kinabalu: The Ministry of Health has identified a site for a multi-storey parking facility at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) here.
This was revealed during a one-hour discussion between State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad in Putrajaya.
Phoong, who is also Luyang Assemblyman, said the lack of adequate parking at QEH has been a persistent problem for years, affecting patients, hospital staff and causing traffic congestion in the surrounding area.
“There have been instances where ambulances were unable to enter the hospital swiftly due to traffic congestion, which is a matter of serious concern,” Phoong said during the meeting.
In response, Dzulkefly acknowledged the severity of the issue and confirmed that the Ministry plans to construct a multi-level parking facility with a minimum capacity of 4,500 bays.
The project is currently awaiting policy and concept approval from the Central Agency.
During the meeting, Phoong also raised concerns about other healthcare facilities in Luyang, including Queen Elizabeth Hospital II, Luyang Clinic and Jalan Kebajikan Health Clinic.
He urged for upgrades to worn-out infrastructure and better planning to address parking shortages at these facilities as well.
Phoong extended his appreciation for Dzulkefly’s commitment to resolving these issues and emphasised the need for swift action.
He pledged to maintain close communication with the Ministry to ensure concrete progress for the benefit of the people in Kota Kinabalu and Luyang.