SINGAPORE: Authorities in Kuala Lumpur are making it compulsory for all shopping malls and commercial buildings to set aside seven per cent of carpark space for women only.
Women driving alone or with young childen unaccompanied by men can opt to park in sections of carparks that are specially allocated to women.
The women-only carpark is an initiative undertaken by the Kuala Lumpur city hall to further enhance safety and security of women drivers in parking lots.
The media had highlighted several cases of women being assaulted and robbed in carparks last year.
Since then, major shopping centres have stepped up patrol in car parks, including offering free buggy services to women shoppers.
KLCC Suria, a leading shopping mall has launched women-only parking lots, said to be the first in South East Asia.
Located near main entrances, the women's sections, painted in pink, are well-lit and regularly patrolled.
The KLCC management has also installed a state-of-the-art security and surveillance system.
There are also panic buttons installed around all four corners of the parking lot, for help to arrive within two minutes upon pressing the button.
While women welcome the new initiative, it remains to be seen how effective the implementation is going to be.
The federal territories minister said those who go against the rules can be penalized.
"We will clamp the car to discourage others to park. I mean men can park anywhere," said Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin.
The city aims for zero incidents at parking lots.
- CNA/xq
M'sia mall launches women-only parking areas
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M'sia mall launches women-only parking areas
