SIBU – Illegal parking continues to be a concern in Sibu Town, prompting the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) to maintain regular enforcement operations against motorists who fail to follow designated parking rules.
The council said it has received numerous complaints concerning vehicles being parked improperly in different areas of the town.
In response, the Traffic Warden Unit under the Enforcement Division has continued carrying out enforcement operations as part of efforts to improve traffic conditions and maintain order in public areas.
The operations are not limited to normal working hours. Enforcement personnel also conduct checks during weekends and at night.
The continued presence of enforcement officers is intended to encourage motorists to comply with parking regulations while helping to keep roads and public areas accessible to other users.
Under the Road Transport (Provision of Parking Places) (Sibu Municipal Council) Order, 2004, action can be taken against vehicles that are not parked within designated parking bays.
Article 3(4) of the order provides the basis for enforcement against vehicles that fail to comply with the requirements governing parking places in areas under the council’s jurisdiction.
SMC said public awareness and compliance with parking regulations remain areas that require further improvement.
The council stressed that parking outside designated spaces can create difficulties for other road users, particularly when improperly parked vehicles interfere with the movement of traffic.
Vehicles left in unsuitable locations may also reduce the convenience and safety of motorists, pedestrians and other members of the public using the affected areas.
For Sibu Town, proper parking is therefore viewed as an important part of maintaining an orderly road environment and ensuring that traffic can move efficiently.
The council’s enforcement activities are also intended to reinforce the importance of responsible parking among members of the public.
Rather than relying solely on enforcement action, SMC said it would continue working to increase public awareness about existing parking requirements and the wider impact of irresponsible parking.
The council plans to maintain and strengthen enforcement efforts to encourage greater compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.
Regular enforcement, including operations conducted outside conventional hours, is expected to remain part of the council’s approach to addressing parking-related complaints.
SMC also reminded members of the public that following parking rules contributes to the overall safety and convenience of the town.
Motorists are encouraged to use the parking bays provided and avoid leaving their vehicles in locations that could obstruct traffic or inconvenience others.
The issue is not limited to the availability of parking spaces, but also concerns how motorists use the spaces and roads available to them.
When vehicles are parked within the appropriate areas, traffic can move more smoothly and other road users can use the roads and surrounding facilities with fewer disruptions.
The council’s ongoing enforcement is consequently aimed at both addressing violations and encouraging longer-term changes in public behaviour.
SMC said maintaining a safe, comfortable and well-organised Sibu Town requires cooperation from the community as well as enforcement by the relevant authorities.
Residents, visitors and motorists all have a role to play by observing parking regulations and considering the effect their parking decisions may have on others.
The council will continue its enforcement activities as it works to improve compliance and maintain smoother traffic movement throughout Sibu Town.
The effort is ultimately intended to benefit the wider community by supporting a more orderly and accessible town environment.
