IPOH: Following complaints about a multi-level car park at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) that went viral recently, the Ipoh City Council has responded, saying it plans to increase the number of parking spaces after a study is completed.

       Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said the supply demand study is under way and aims to solve the parking problem.

       "We will increase the number of parking lots there. For your information, we added more than 100 parking lots two years ago and now we’re looking to add more, including at the new building for members of the public,” he said at a Tasik Cermin Eco Park Ipoh pre-opening press conference.

       For the moment, the council is showing leniency in issuing fines to motorists who park on the road shoulder, he said.

       "It is a short-term measure. We will also offer over 70% off for fines,” said Rumaizi.

       Hospital visitors alleged the multi-level car park was reserved for hospital staff and want the state government to sort out the issue as soon as possible.

       State housing, local government and tourism committee chairman, Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi, said the issue has been highlighted at a state government council meeting and is being investigated for further action.

       "The Perak Mentri Besar will be making an announcement about the parking at the new building and maybe we will take another look at its use to curb shoulder parking.

       "So we will see what we can do to bring it down because the hospital has a large number of patients and employees.

       "The state government is also looking at other ways to reduce congestion in the area, such as the use of existing facilities,” she said. – Bernama