In both Malaysia and Singapore, using items (like plastic chairs, bins, or traffic cones) or standing in a public parking space to reserve (“chope”) it is illegal.
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1. Malaysia: The Law & Penalties
Under Malaysian law, reserving a public parking lot without authorization is governed by the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).
- The Specific Provision: Section 50(3) of the Road Transport Act 1987 makes it an offence for any person to unlawfully obstruct, interfere with, or prevent another person from using a parking space or road.
- Types of Violations Covered: Placing physical objects (chairs, flower pots, traffic cones, motorcycles) or using “human chope-ing” (standing in a lot to block incoming cars).
- Penalties Under Section 119:
- First Offence: A fine of up to RM2,000, imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both.
- Subsequent Offences: A fine of up to RM4,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.
2. Singapore: The Corresponding Law & Penalties
In Singapore, reserving or obstructing public parking lots is enforced under local traffic and parking statutes:
- The Specific Provision: Rule 4(3) of the Parking Places Rules (under the Parking Places Act) states that no person shall obstruct or cause any obstruction to a parking place or any parking lot with any vehicle, material, or object. Additionally, placing objects on public roads is governed by the Street Works Act.
- Penalties Under the Parking Places Act (Section 16 / Rule 13):
- Composition Fines: HDB, URA, and LTA wardens routinely issue composition fines of $100 for causing obstruction in parking places.
- Court Conviction: If prosecuted in court, offenders face a general fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months, or both.
- Obstruction on Public Roads (Street Works Act): Placing personal items (chairs, bins, cones) on public roads or driveways to reserve space carries fines of up to $2,000 for first-time offenders, and up to $4,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 months for repeat offenders.
Direct Law Comparison Table
| Feature | Malaysia 🇲🇾 | Singapore 🇸🇬 |
| Primary Statute | Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) | Parking Places Act / Street Works Act |
| Specific Clause | Section 50(3) | Parking Places Rules, Rule 4(3) / Street Works Act |
| Max First-Offence Fine | Up to RM2,000 | Up to S$1,000 (Parking Places Act) / S$2,000 (Street Works Act) |
| Max Repeat-Offence Fine | Up to RM4,000 | Up to S$4,000 (Street Works Act) |
| Max Jail Sentence | Up to 6 months (1st time) / 12 months (Repeat) | Up to 3 months |
| Reporting Channels | Local City Councils (DBKL, MBPJ, etc.) / PBT Care App | OneService App / LTA OneMotoring Portal |