JB businesses suffer as Singapore commuters monopolise customer parking

During a recent trip to Johor Bahru, I had to abandon several plans to visit local eateries after failing to find a single empty parking spot. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but it quickly became clear that parking problem in JB runs deeper than I had assumed.

According to an article by the New Straits Times, many JB traders — especially food hawkers — have voiced their concerns to the authorities about the impact on their businesses. 

The problem stems from parking spaces near the CIQ complex and JB City Centre being frequently occupied by Johor residents commuting to Singapore for work. These workers typically park as early as 5am and return as late as 8pm.

Public parking bays in areas such as Medan Nusa Perintis 2, Gelang Patah, and Perling have been particularly affected. Traders report that it’s not just the public spots being used. 

Some workers even occupy lots officially designated for businesses, removing cones and disregarding reserved signs.

A food vendor operating in Perling at a site designated by the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), arrived one morning to find her allocated business lot taken. She noted that some even questioned her right to the space.

At the Iskandar Malaysia Food Court in Gelang Patah, a stall owner said nearly 20 vendors have experienced declining profits over the past 2 years due to this ongoing issue. A similar scene unfolds along Jalan Lumba Kuda, where shop owners are losing customers as commuters flood the limited parking, drawn by the area’s proximity to Singapore.

Despite multiple complaints lodged with MBIP, the situation remains unresolved. In desperation, some business owners have resorted to calling tow trucks just to reclaim their space.

It’s disheartening to see local businesses suffer due to a shortage of parking, yet restricting JB workers from parking altogether would pose its own set of challenges. A balanced solution lies in expanding parking infrastructure and significantly improving public transport connectivity between Johor Bahru and Singapore.

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