KUALA LUMPUR: Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming has expressed regret over an incident in which 30 parking spots in Penang were allegedly cleared for his luncheon event.
This is believed to have inconvenienced local residents and businesses.
In response, Nga said he had no knowledge of the matter and deeply regretted the inconvenience caused.
In a statement shared on The Rocket and his own Facebook page, he said the visit's objective was to inspect the surrounding infrastructure and understand the initiatives undertaken by the local government.
"The day was tightly packed, consisting of ten consecutive activities.
"Due to the demanding timetable, any inconvenience experienced by Penang residents is acknowledged and I apologise."
Yesterday, it was reported that the Penang Island City Council's (MBPP) decision to reserve parking spots for Nga's entourage outside a restaurant in Campbell Street angered nearby business owners.
About 30 parking spaces were reserved by MBPP staff at 10pm on Thursday.
It was reported that several cars that had been parked there overnight were relocated to make room along the stretch.