Waive Season Parking Charges for Educators who Work in Institutions of Higher Learning

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked the Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) whether the Ministry can review the need to charge season parking fees for educators teaching in institutions of higher learning and who drive their cars to these institutions.

In recent years, the Auditor-General had highlighted that several Institutions of Higher Learning did not charge market rate for the use of their car parks. Such practices were tantamount to providing hidden subsidies for vehicle parking. The practice is, therefore, not in line with the Civil Service's philosophy of a clean wage, where public officers get a salary, with no hidden benefits.

The Institute of Technical Education and the polytechnics have, therefore, carried out an internal review of their staff parking rates, and revised the rates to comply with the clean wage policy which requires that car park rates be determined in accordance with market value. Thus, they will be revising the rates to peg them to those charged at the nearest alternative car park, typically the Housing and Development Board estate.

The Ministry of Education, students and the public all appreciate the service and contribution of our educators. They have a heavy responsibility, an important mission to fulfil, which most carry out with passion and dedication. We recognise the contributions of education in various ways, but when it comes to car park charges, it is best not to deviate from a long-standing Civil Service policy.