JOHOR BARU: Business owners and restaurant operators along Jalan Lumba Kuda in Kampung Ah Siang here are grappling with severe parking issues due to motorists occupying allocated spaces.
The 65-year-old three-storey shop lots on Jalan Lumba Kuda, which is situated in an ageing business estate with narrow roads, have become a hotspot due to their proximity to the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and the bustling city centre.
Motorists working in Singapore are taking advantage of the free parking, leaving their cars here while they cross the Causeway to work.
This practice has led to a significant parking shortage for local businesses, including the renowned Botak Asam Pedas restaurant, officially registered as Kedai Makan Baru Botak.
The restaurant's proprietor, Lee Khiam Hong, also known as Botak, has faced parking constraints for years and has made numerous complaints to the municipal council, yet the problem persists.
"Municipal traffic wardens issue summonses, but the problem remains unresolved.
"Motorists park their vehicles as early as 4am and only return after 10pm daily. It's unfair to us, trying to make a living here in Johor Baru. Some customers leave because they can't find parking," he said when met yesterday.
Lee also said that some Singapore-bound drivers park haphazardly in narrow alleys behind the buildings, blocking access.
"There's a paid parking lot just a few steps away, but they prefer to inconvenience others to save on parking fees.
"Customers tell us they can't find parking, so they go elsewhere. It's frustrating because these free spots are meant to support local businesses, but instead, they're monopolised by people who leave their cars all day while earning in Singapore dollars," he added.
A check by New Straits Times during lunchtime revealed a SWM rubbish truck struggling to navigate the tight space, causing a 10-minute traffic jam while rubbish collectors walked to the bins.
Lee, who inherited the restaurant from his father 32 years ago, highlighted its distinguished clientele, including the Johor royal family, foreign dignitaries, and high-ranking officials.
The restaurant's walls are adorned with framed photographs of these esteemed guests.
Meanwhile, Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Othman has acknowledged the issue.
He said that the Johor Baru City Council had received numerous complaints from businesses along Jalan Lumba Kuda.
"We are aware that several parking areas, particularly those near transportation hubs for Singapore, are being monopolised by Singapore-bound motorists. This includes shop lots opposite the Larkin Bus Terminal and certain parts of the city centre," he said.
"While these motorists are not technically committing an offence as the parking lots are designated for vehicles and some use MBJB's parking app to pay, we cannot issue summonses. However, we will take action against those who park haphazardly and block access lanes," he added.
Mohd Noorazam also urged motorists, especially those parking near public transportation terminals before heading to Singapore, to be considerate of others.