KLites divided over women-only parking areas

City folks are divided over a suggestion that all commercial buildings in the city must allocate special car parks only for women.

The directive which was announced by Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin on Monday would require building management bodies to allocate seven per cent of its parking space only for women.

Members of the public interviewed by Astro Awani said while the move is commended, steps should also be taken to ensure that other security features such as security guards and closed-circuit television camera are installed at these buildings.

Ana Baranano, 44, Editor

"It is a necessity, especially if it is near the main entrance. There were several reports of assaults against women so it is definitely a necessity."

"Although there is no women-only parking space here (Bangsar Village) but I feel secure. I know of other parking areas which can be quite scary and I do not feel safe. I will try to park my car near the entrance, otherwise I won’t park my car at all.”

Noorazlinda Ahmad, 31, Real Estate Manager

"Special parking lots for women should be at the main entrance or near crowded areas. Problems would arise if these parking lots are in secluded areas."

Masnah Shamsuddin, 63, Homemaker

"It will not make a difference because what they (building management bodies) need to do is to have better security. Having dedicated parking lots for women will also encourage thieves to easily prey on women as they know exactly where their vehicles are parked.

Gary Loo, 33, Business Development Manager

"Enforcement is important to ensure that these special parking lots are only meant for women. Without proper enforcement everyone would start parking at these dedicated lots."

Mohd Najmuddin Shamsuddin, 49, Senior Public Relations Manager

"In terms of security, anything can happen. It does not matter if you are accompanied by your children, relatives or alone. What's important is the type of security measures taken by shopping malls."

Adi, 37, Driver

"I think having specific parking lots for women is not necessary because men and women are equal now."

Noor Azlan Mohamad Jamir, 34, Driver

"This is for women’s safety. There are many cases of women falling prey to snatch thefts so I agree with the government’s decision."