SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council is offering a 50 per cent discount on over-parking notice (OPN) from Jul 1 to Dec 31 as it is extending the transitional period in the implementation of the smart parking system.
The first transitional period from parking coupon system to digital parking system was from January to end of June.
By this the fee for each OPN will be reduced from RM1 to 50 sen.
“For those who have already paid the OPN, the discounted fee of 50 sen will be automatically credited in their SMC Cares app,” Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said at a press conference on Monday (Jul 13).
As for senior citizens he said they can register their car number to their children’s SMC cares app account.
“In order to resolve their anxiety and worries, those aged 60 and above can either register their car number online to their children’s account or at the council Jalan Wong Nai Siong car parking office.
“They can just park their car anywhere. They do no have to do anything as the parking fee will be automatically debited in their children’s account. This facility is however limited to one car,” he said.
Alternatively he said senior citizens could soon purchase a RM40 monthly season pass starting August.
As for the notice of parking offences which comes with a RM10 fee for not paying the parking fee, he said the council is accepting appeals from motorists for a waiver but on a case by case basis.
He said the appeal will be accepted if it is due to the failure of the app and poor internet connectivity.
As for the issuance of illegal parking ticket at RM150, he said the council has the relevant powers under the Road Transport Act 1987 under Section 3(4) of the Provision of Parking Places to do so.
Tiang said the extension of transitional period was made following a directive from Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“We have received several feedback, and opinions the general public on the system. Some elected representatives have also voiced their opinion.
“Last week during Sarawakku Sayang programme here, the deputy premier sat down with the SMC chairman.
“After going through the issues and challenges, he instructed the council to look into certain areas of the new system so that it can be conveniently used by the public,” he said.
During the extended transitional period, the council will offer various forms of assistance to the public so that they can adapt to the system.
The council will also come out with a video to educate the public on how to use the system while parking attendants will be readily available to assist users if they have problems related to the use of the app.
Present at the press conference was SMC chairman Clarence Ting.
