THE MOST AUTHENTIC driving experience in Penang would definitely include getting stuck in traffic, struggling to secure a parking spot, and worse, getting blocked by vehicles parked illegally.
Traffic enforcement in Malaysia is primarily conducted by three agencies, the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and local councils. Nevertheless, the public takes lightly traffic enforcement—or indeed any form of enforcement— from the local councils. This is evident; in Penang, as of March 2024, the amount owed to the City Council of Penang Island (MBPP) for traffic and parking fines is a staggering RM61mil.[1] The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has appointed three companies as agencies to carry out the collection of arrears for assessment tax in the Federal Territory. Public compliance with local council enforcement in any form remains a persistent challenge, especially when compared to other agencies equipped with similar enforcement authority.
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