British Man Claims He’s Stranded in Malaysia After Failing to Pay RM7 Parking Fee, Accuses Country of ‘Taking Advantage’

Source: Express.co.uk

A British man claims he is stranded in Malaysia after failing to pay a RM7 parking fee, according to Express.co.uk. London-based electrical engineer Ahmed Hadi, 47, alleges that his passport was seized by the court after a parking incident in Penang on December 7.

Ahmed explained that he had parked his car for just 10 minutes but encountered issues when trying to make the payment. He claimed the parking machine did not accept cash, and despite pressing the assistance button and speaking to a parking officer, no solution was provided.

In frustration, Ahmed decided to lift the parking barrier manually, not realizing that it would break in the process. His actions led to his arrest and a court hearing, where his lawyer attempted to negotiate a settlement with the parking company. However, eight weeks have passed, and his passport remains confiscated as part of his bail conditions.

Initially, Ahmed and his family had planned to move to Malaysia, but after this incident, he is reconsidering his decision.

“I was ready to pay, but the machine wouldn’t accept the money, and I couldn’t leave. I thought everything was settled, yet I still don’t have my passport or any idea when or if I’ll get it back,” he said.

Ahmed also described Malaysia as a “hellhole with no human rights” and claimed that his time in detention was a nightmare. He alleged that 50 inmates had to share a single toilet and that a police officer even threatened to hit him.

“We think Britain has problems, but this made me realize how good things are over there. This country just takes advantage of people, and you’re not free,” he said.

Ahmed’s wife, Lucy, was forced to pay nearly £2,425.41 (RM13,231) in bail and legal fees to secure his release from detention. However, his passport has yet to be returned, and he must appear in court again on February 17.

Lucy also criticized Malaysia’s legal system, claiming that her husband was arrested without explanation. She alleged that he was moved to a different cell every day, making it difficult for her to track his whereabouts.

“We once considered settling here, but now it’s impossible. It’s inhumane,” she said.

She further claimed that her husband was treated differently because he is originally from Kuwait, leading authorities to assume that he was wealthy. Lucy accused Malaysia of being a police state that arrests people arbitrarily and exploits foreigners for money.