Residents in parts of Kuala Lumpur have raised concerns over the large number of school buses and vans parked along residential roads, particularly in Taman Bukit Indah and the nearby Taman Desa area. The vehicles, which are often left idling, have been described as obstructing motorists’ visibility and posing safety risks to pedestrians.

The issue has persisted for several years, with some residents reporting disturbance from engine noise and exhaust fumes that they say have affected their quality of life. Complaints include the cementing over of roadside drains to create parking spaces, which residents warn could impede maintenance efforts and increase the risk of flash floods during heavy rainfall.

One resident, who gave his name as Sim, estimated that more than 20 school buses and vans were regularly parked in the neighbourhood. “The engines are switched on and off throughout the day, producing noise and exhaust fumes,” he said, adding that street parking by the vehicles takes up considerable road space, making the area feel like an unofficial transport terminal.

Officials and community representatives have responded to these concerns by urging the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to investigate. Alvin T. Ariaratnam, chairman of the Seputeh Federal Territories Residents’ Representative Council Zone 6, said DBKL must verify whether the parking arrangements comply with regulations and if permits have been granted for such use of residential roads and drain reserves. He noted that local authorities could take enforcement action under provisions of the Road Transport (Provision of Parking Places) (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) Order 2016, which designates specific areas for vehicle parking and allows for the removal or clamping of unauthorized vehicles. Unauthorized parking may also result in fines of up to RM300 upon conviction.

Alvin also called on the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to review the licenses of operators to determine whether they have stipulated conditions regarding vehicle storage locations when not in active use. He highlighted that the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 prohibits any obstruction or covering of open drains without prior approval from the local authority, raising concerns about the cemented drainage areas.

Malaysian Land Public Transport Forum chairman Zac Cheong emphasized that commercial transport operators are generally required to maintain designated depots or operational bases with appropriate parking facilities. He added that the long-term storage of commercial vehicles on public roads is typically prohibited under traffic and local by-laws, which seek to prevent obstruction to roads and pedestrian pathways. Enforcement responsibilities are divided among the Road Transport Department (JPJ), APAD for licensing issues, and local councils for parking violations.

Cheong said operators running large-scale vehicle fleets would ordinarily have permanent parking arrangements that minimize disruption to residential areas. Attempts to contact transport operators in the affected neighbourhoods were unsuccessful, and DBKL has not yet issued an official response regarding enforcement measures.

Residents and community leaders continue to press authorities to address the parking and environmental issues, calling for clearer enforcement and cooperation between agencies to prevent further inconvenience and potential hazards.