By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 3: Kuching residents will quickly adapt to the new Pay & Go smart parking system, just as they learned to use QR codes, e-wallets and online transactions during the Covid-19 pandemic, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“During Covid-19, a lot of people did not know how to scan (QR). Everybody complained ‘Oh I don’t know how to scan, my handphone cannot scan, can you buy a handphone for me?’
“But the end of the pandemic, everybody suddenly can use their handphone to scan. If not, they cannot go into the shopping centres,” he told reporters when met during a site visit to the new system at Jalan Song Thian Cheok here today.
The Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG), pointed out that the same will happen with the new digital parking system which replaces the old coupon-based system, Kuching City Parking System (KCPS), that has been used for the past 20 years.
The new platform, developed by Pay & Go, allows users to pay for parking in all areas under Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and even participating private parking operators using only one mobile application.
The transition period runs from Nov 1 to Dec 31, 2025, with full implementation scheduled for Jan 1, 2026.
Dr Sim added that the system, which operates under a 10-year contract, will cover about 60,000 parking lots across Kuching, including 30,000 under MBKS, 7,000 under DBKU and 20,000 from private operators.
He expressed confidence that Kuching’s success could pave the way for expansion to other cities in Sarawak, or even beyond.
He also noted that despite the system upgrade, parking rates remain unchanged at 20 sen per half hour, the same as they were 20 years ago.
“Parking fees have remained at 20 sen per half hour for the past 20 years. Even laksa prices have gone up, but our parking fee stays the same,” he said, adding that this reflects Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s commitment to affordability as Sarawak modernises its city services.
As part of the system, Pay & Go chief executive officer Eddie Wee Teck Tong explained that electric bikes equipped with License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras will patrol parking zones to ensure compliance.
Motorists can pay for parking in three convenient ways, either through the Pay & Go app, by scanning QR codes displayed at parking zones, or via cashless kiosks installed around the city.
No physical coupons are needed as LPR-enabled e-bikes and handheld scanners verify payments in real time.
Meanwhile, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said payment counters have been opened at MBKS headquarters from Monday to Friday to assist users in registering and making early payments for the new system.
He said MBKS officers are also available to guide the public through the process of logging in, registering and using the Pay & Go app.
“In the last two days alone, we have served more than 500 people. There is no need to rush. Just come in and our officers will assist you.
“Take it easy—this is a transition period and we want to make it as smooth and friendly as possible for everyone,” he said.
Motorists are also urged to settle all outstanding parking compounds incurred under the previous coupon-scratching system, with MBKS offering a 50 per cent discount on fines until Nov 30.
For leftover parking coupon booklets, motorists can apply for refunds at the Kuching City Parking System office at Lot 9688 and 9692, Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim, by Nov 30.
Coupon holders must submit unused coupons purchased between Jan 1 and Oct 31, 2025, with the following serial numbers:
• 20 sen: AP05530001 – AP095300000
• 50 sen: BB3426001 – BB3506000
• 80 sen: CB0750001 – CB0780000
Also present during the site visit were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, and DBKU Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman.
— DayakDaily
