BINTULU, April 13: Residents of Bintulu parking at various commercial centres will be able to pay parking fees using the ‘BorneoParkBTU’ mobile app beginning May 1, in addition to using paper parking coupons.
According to a news report from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) today, the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) has introduced and launched the BorneoParkBTU app, a method of parking without coupons to facilitate payment of parking in lots gazetted for parking purposes in Bintulu city.
BDA general manager, Datu Muhamad Yakup Kari stated that the new system was implemented in accordance with the Sarawak government’s recommendation that Bintulu be recognised as a Smart City by 2030.
He stated that the BDA had taken steps to assist consumers, particularly in Bintulu, and hoped that over time, complaints about the use of coupons would be reduced.
“Users can use this app to make cashless car parking payments using their smartphones, bringing us closer to the much-touted ‘cashless society’.
“This app is called BorneoParkBTU, and it is available for free on the Android Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
“From May 1, 2022, the general public will be able to use this application,” he said.
Muhamad Yakup made the remarks on Tuesday at the Agreement Signing Ceremony between BDA Properties Sdn Bhd and BPS Sdn Bhd at the BDA Auditorium, Wisma Bintulu.
The signing session of the agreement was witnessed by the Deputy Chairman of BDA Dato Haidar Khan Asghar Khan, and the ceremony was also attended by Heads of Departments, Community Leaders and Village Chiefs (KMKK), and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Muhamad Yakup went on to say that in order to promote and encourage the use of this application, the first 1,000 users who register will receive a free RM5 top-up.
He added that users can register multiple vehicles simultaneously and pay without physically being near their vehicle.
“Consumers can make purchases using SPayGlobal, online banking, and debit and credit cards.
“Top-ups are available in the amounts of RM5, RM10, RM20, RM30, RM40, and RM50,” he explained.
Additionally, the BDA general manager revealed that the number of gazetted parking spaces managed by BDA Properties Sdn Bhd is approximately 6,500, and the number will increase to more than 13,000 spaces when additional areas are gazetted later.
“So far, BDA Properties Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of BDA, manages approximately 6,500 gazetted parking spaces; however, as more areas are gazetted, the number will increase to more than 13,000 spaces.
“This digital parking system has been in operation in Miri City since 2021 and has over 70,000 users.
“In Bintulu, it will run simultaneously with the coupon method until a later date,” said Muhamad Yakup. — DayakDaily
