By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Nov 4: Parking pondoks (huts) across Kuching might be repurposed as medicine dispensaries.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said he had spoken with the Health Department to explore potential uses for the huts after they were returned to the council following the launch of the Pay & Go smart parking system.
“For some patients, you have to go to the clinic every month to collect your medication. So, depending on which area you belong to, they (Health Department) can transfer it to the other side, making it more convenient,” Wee told reporters during the MBKS Deepavali Celebration 2025 today.
He assured that the huts would not be abandoned or demolished but instead repurposed for meaningful use.
When asked about the coverage of the Pay & Go app, Wee said the system would eventually be implemented throughout Sarawak.
“It is the Premier’s (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) mission to have one app used across the whole of Sarawak,” he said.
Wee added that having a single app was more convenient for users, as it could be used in places such as Sibu and Miri without the need to switch to a different application, which users find to be difficult.
“We are looking forward to our own Sarawak-branded product. I hope it will not only be used in Sarawak but will be a breakthrough,” he said.
At the same time, Wee clarified that staff from Kuching City Parking Systems Sdn Bhd (KCPS) would be absorbed into Pay & Go Sdn Bhd, noting that priority would be given to existing KCPS employees.
“For a very simple reason—because they (former KCPS staff) are experienced,” he said. —DayakDaily
