EV Chargers Spark Parking Concerns in TTDI

According to a recent Malay Mail report dated July 1, 2025, the Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) Residents Association has raised concerns over the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers along Lorong Rahim Kajai 13 and Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad.

The association argues that the move deprives the neighbourhood of already scarce public parking spaces.

“We are not against EV chargers and welcome the initiative. However, why did the city council allow the installation at the expense of taking away some of the public parking spaces?” questioned Khairudin Rahim, the association’s spokesperson.

At a glance, the frustration is understandable. TTDI, like many mature urban neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur, struggles with limited parking. However, when framed within the larger national context, such concerns must be balanced against Malaysia’s ambitious but necessary target of deploying 10,000 public EV chargers by 2025.

The reality is that this target is still far from reach. Public-private partnerships, such as the one seen in TTDI, are a vital part of the equation, especially when Charge Point Operators (CPOs) face financial uncertainty over returns on investment.

Each charger installed in a high-visibility, high-demand location helps strengthen consumer confidence, reduce range anxiety and encourage more Malaysians to switch to EVs. That benefits everyone, including TTDI residents, in the long term.

Khairudin pointed out that most homes in TTDI with EVs already have their own chargers and that “some of the private buildings in the area, including the Petronas petrol station, already have EV charger stations to accommodate EV car owners.”

While that may be true, EV adoption is growing, and not every EV user has access to private charging or wants to rely on a petrol station. Public chargers in street-side locations are not just convenient, they are necessary to future-proof the neighbourhood.

That said, there is one valid concern that deserves urgent attention: bay misuse.

To prevent ICE vehicles from occupying EV spots and to discourage EVs from remaining parked long after charging is complete, authorities and CPOs must implement proper management protocols.

This includes installing automated parking barriers and enforcing idle fees especially in dense urban neighbourhoods like TTDI. Without such deterrents, charger availability will remain theoretical, not practical.

A perfect example of proper installation practices can be seen in Penang, where the local council, Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP), in collaboration with ChargeSini, has set up 24 EV charging stations, with two more pending approval. A quick check also shows that these station installation were done in accordance to EVCB guidelines and most importantly does not intrude into pedestrian walkways. 

All stations are equipped with parking barriers to prevent ICE-ing, and an idle fee system to discourage EV users from overstaying—ensuring fair access for those who truly need to charge.

Therefore, Instead of resisting the placement of chargers, let’s push for smart implementation, one that supports national goals while addressing local realities. 

For Malaysia to achieve a cleaner, more sustainable transport future, we need more support not less for CPOs willing to invest ahead of demand.