A public dialogue session under the “Perlis Mendengar Rintihan Rakyat” programme turned tense on Saturday after the controversial barrier parking system issue was raised again in front of Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah.
The programme, which was attended by several state government leaders, initially proceeded smoothly before a number of sensitive issues involving the state administration were openly brought up during the session.
Political analyst Syed Azuan Al-Idrus questioned several matters, including the implementation of the Smart Parking system, waste management concerns and allegations involving the integrity of local authority administration.
He also criticised the composition of attendees at the programme, claiming that more government agency representatives were present compared to ordinary members of the public.
During the dialogue, Syed Azuan raised questions over the barrier parking system in Perlis, which he claimed had yet to be dismantled despite the state government previously announcing that the project would be cancelled.
The atmosphere became heated after Syed Azuan called out Kangar Municipal Council (MPK) president Affendi Rajini Kanth for applauding while he was speaking about the parking management company involved in the system.
However, Abu Bakar later stepped in to calm the situation, with assistance from programme organisers and several police personnel stationed at the venue, bringing the session back under control.
In January 2026, reports stated that the Perlis state government had decided not to proceed with the planned barrier parking system after considering various views, including feedback from MPK, for the comfort and wellbeing of the people.
According to Abu Bakar, paid parking systems would still continue in the state, but without the use of physical barriers at parking areas.
The management of the parking system would instead be handled by MPK together with the appointed parking operator company.
