Free parking for EVs in cities soon?

IN an effort to promote the use of electric vehicles (EV), Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Minister Nga Kor Ming said the government is considering waiving parking fees for EVs in cities.

According to a report by The Star, Nga said that the proposal is being mulled following the recent announcement to introduce “green plates” for EVs.

He added that his ministry is in discussions with the respective local councils to consider the feasibility of the proposal.

Nga cited London as an example, where a congestion fee of about RM90 per entry is imposed on non-EV cars into the city while EVs are exempted from parking fees.

In May, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, announced a new road tax structure for EVs that is up to 85% lower than the outgoing one.

It’s really nice to own an EV in Malaysia…

It is commendable that the government is always seeking ways to accelerate and promote the use of EVs among the public but as we know, all EVs in Malaysia are being sold above the RM100,000 mark, meaning those who can actually afford them are from the upper-middle to upper class.

So why does the government feel the need to give free parking to them? As far as this writer is concerned, parking fees have never been an issue for them.

It does feel like EV owners have been given enough privileges. Not only they are exempted from paying road tax until 2026, they can now park for free whenever they enter the city.

Instead of continuously giving away more benefits to just one group of people, it would be better if the government shifts its focus to bettering public transportation services so that they can be fully utilised by the rakyat.