In 2023, a notice issued by the Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) went viral after it appeared to ban residents from parking their vehicles in front of their neighbours’ homes — or even their own houses.
Dated October 2, 2023, the notice cited several laws and regulations that could land offenders a fine of up to RM5,000, a year in jail, or both. The listed provisions included:
- Section 48(1) of the Land Transport Act 1987 (Act 333)
- Section 46(1)(g) of the Drainage and Buildings Act 1974 (Act 133)
- Bylaw 3(n) of the Vandalism Bylaws (Pasir Gudang Municipal Council) 2011
- Regulations 17(1) and 17(2) of the Road Traffic Regulations (Car Parks Provisions) (Pasir Gudang Municipal Council) 2001
Many Malaysians were baffled, calling the directive “over-the-top” for penalizing what seemed like an everyday parking habit.
What The Laws Actually Mean
Legal expert Nik Nur Aisyah, a partner at Kuala Lumpur-based law firm ADIL Legal, clarified that none of these laws explicitly mention “parking in front of your house.” Instead, they address obstruction or nuisance on public roads.
For example, under Section 48(1) of the Land Transport Act 1987, it is an offence to park a vehicle in a position that causes danger, obstruction, or inconvenience to other road users. Those convicted could face a fine between RM1,000 and RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to one year.
Similarly, Section 46(1)(g) of the Drainage and Buildings Act 1974 makes it an offence to allow any vehicle to rest on a footway, with fines ranging from RM500 to RM1,000 for repeat offenders.
Meanwhile, MBPG’s own bylaws allow for fines of up to RM2,000 or a year in jail under the Vandalism Bylaws, and RM100 under the Road Traffic Regulations. The council may also issue compounds of RM500 to RM2,000 for such offences under other local government provisions.
Why You’re Unlikely To Be Penalized For Parking Responsibly
Aisyah explained that while parking in front of your home could technically fall under these laws, enforcement depends on whether your vehicle causes obstruction or nuisance.
“To obey the letter of the law is to follow it literally,” she said. “But the spirit of the law considers the intention behind it — which in this case, is to ensure public safety and accessibility, not to punish residents parking responsibly.”
Following public backlash, MBPG clarified that it will only act upon reports or complaints, particularly if a vehicle causes obstruction or inconvenience to others.
Bottom Line
If you live in an area where the road in front of your house is considered public property, it’s best to park properly and avoid blocking driveways or access points. For complete peace of mind, park your vehicle within your property boundary or at designated parking spaces provided by local authorities.
In short — yes, the law exists, but you won’t be fined or jailed just for parking neatly in front of your own home.
