KUALA LUMPUR: Sixteen selected hospitals have initiated the first phase of parking management outsourcing, including proposals to construct multi-storey car parks and provide nearby alternative parking facilities to address severe space shortages.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said the initiative is being implemented in phases with private sector involvement to increase parking capacity, particularly at hospitals that have been operating for over 10 years.
She said the growing number of vehicle owners has contributed to hospital parking congestion, requiring more comprehensive planning to meet the needs of both visitors and staff.
"Among the Health Ministry's initiatives is proposing that private companies build multi-storey car parks or provide nearby parking access for visitors and staff.
"We want to ensure this is implemented as quickly as possible, but at the same time, we do not want healthcare services to be disrupted while addressing parking issues," she said after officiating the National Conference on Ageing 2026 organised by Universiti Putra Malaysia through the Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing here today.
Hanifah said proposals submitted by private companies must take into account financial viability and affordable rates to ensure effective execution.
She added that the ministry will continue discussions with relevant committees to allow hospital and healthcare facility directors to engage local private firms in finding suitable solutions.
"The ministry has set a 50-50 parking allocation ratio between staff and the public, with lot planning taking into account the needs of each party to ensure more orderly management," she said.
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