GEORGE TOWN, March 1 -- The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is increasing fees for roadside parking by 50 per cent, starting tomorrow after 11 years.

Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the decision was made to prevent long-term parking that occupies limited public parking spaces, The Sunday Star reported today.

"There are motorists who park their vehicles for 10 to 12 hours straight, making it difficult for others to find parking space," he was quoted as saying.

The new rates will see roadside parking fees go up from 40 sen to 60 sen every half hour while daily rates will go from RM6 currently to RM8; but the monthly pass remains unchanged at RM150.

Payment for roadside parking is done digitally through the Penang Smart Parking app, avai...