Call to reconsider parking fees for Donggongon market

KOTA KINABALU (Aug 1): National Consumer Foundation Malaysia, Sabah Chairman David Chan called on the Penampang Municipal Council to refrain from collecting parking fees in Donggongon, citing the economic burden on local natives and indigenous people who rely on the open market for their livelihood.

Donggongon, he said, is a vibrant hub for local trade, and sees many native and indigenous vendors bringing their fresh vegetables and fruits to the market daily.

“For many, this is their primary source of income. However, the imposition of parking fees by the Penampang Municipal Council poses a significant challenge, especially for those from the B40 income group, who already face financial hardships,” Chan lamented.

Highlighting the critical issue of accessibility, Chan pointed out that many of these vendors come from rural areas, and not all have the means or knowledge to pay for parking via digital methods.

“If they unintentionally forget their mobile phones or cannot navigate the online payment system, the resulting fines could equate to several days’ earnings,” he stated in a statement on Thursday.

The state government, Chan argues, should focus on easing the financial burdens on its citizens, particularly those in the B40 income group.

“It’s essential to create an environment where local entrepreneurs and farmers can thrive without the fear of incurring additional costs. By waiving the parking fees in Donggongon, the Penampang Municipal Council can show its support for these hardworking individuals and promote a more inclusive economy,” he said.

He urges the Penampang Municipal Council to reconsider its stance on parking fees, emphasizing that this move would greatly benefit the local community and enhance their quality of life.

“We must ensure that our policies do not inadvertently harm those who contribute significantly to our local economy and culture. Supporting our local vendors is not just an economic issue but also a cultural and social one,” Chan stressed.

Meanwhile when addressing the high cost of Living in Sabah, Chan said that cost of living has long been a pressing issue for its residents.

“With prices significantly higher than those in neighboring Sarawak, the National Consumer Foundation Malaysia urges the Sabah government to take serious measures to address the underlying causes and ease the financial burden on its citizens,” said Chan.

According to him, living in Sabah often comes with a hefty price tag because despite having similar logistical challenges as Sarawak, the cost of food and other essentials remains noticeably higher.

This disparity places an undue strain on many households, particularly those in the lower-income B40 group, he said.

“We cannot ignore the fact that our cost of living is higher than in Sarawak, where food and basic necessities are much more affordable. The Sabah government must investigate the factors contributing to these high prices and implement effective solutions to alleviate this burden on our people,” Chan said.

He added that several factors may contribute to the higher cost of living in Sabah, including transportation costs, supply chain inefficiencies, and potentially higher tariffs on goods.

By identifying and addressing these issues, the state government can create a more balanced and fair economic environment for all residents, he opined.

“The cost of living impacts every aspect of daily life, from the price of groceries to housing and utilities. When these costs are disproportionately high, it affects the overall well-being and quality of life for our citizens. It’s essential for the government to take a proactive stance in addressing these economic disparities,” Chan added.

One proposed solution is for the government to work closely with local businesses and suppliers to find ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This could involve investing in better infrastructure, streamlining supply chains, and providing subsidies or incentives for local producers to keep prices low.

Additionally, enhancing transparency and competition in the market could help drive prices down. By ensuring that consumers have access to affordable options and that businesses operate fairly, the government can help create a more equitable economic landscape.

“We urge the Sabah government to prioritize this issue and take tangible steps towards making life more affordable for our residents. By doing so, we not only improve the standard of living but also strengthen our local economy and community,” Chan said.

As Sabah continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that the state government listens to the concerns of its people and takes meaningful action to ensure a sustainable and affordable future for all, he said.