KUCHING: The newly launched Kuching Smart Parking System is more than just a digital convenience for motorists, it could also play a crucial role in helping law enforcement solve crime cases.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the advanced digital system, operated by Pay & Go Sdn Bhd, is equipped with scanning and data collection capabilities that can assist in identifying vehicles and individuals linked to criminal activities.
“Sometimes this type of scanning can detect not just number plates, but also faces of those driving the cars.
“This kind of technology has already helped the police solve several cases recently, such as in Bintulu and Miri,” he said during a visit to the new smart parking site at Jalan Song Thian Cheok here today.
He added the data collected through the system would be managed under strict governance and only accessed by authorised parties for security purposes.
“There is a very heavy responsibility on the integrity of the data. You cannot just write in to find out personal details like whether someone’s husband has a girlfriend.
“But if it is for the security of our citizens and approved through the proper authorities, then it can be used.
“That is the smart advantage of such a system, it not only makes parking easier but also helps make our city safer,” he said.
The Deputy Premier said the integration of big data through the system would also enable authorities to analyse parking patterns, support better urban planning, and enhance public safety.
The Kuching Smart Parking System, which replaces the old coupon-based Kuching City Parking System (KCPS), was approved by the Sarawak cabinet under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as part of the state’s ongoing digital transformation agenda under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Dr Sim said the contract was awarded to Pay & Go for 10 years following evaluations by independent technical and steering committees.
He noted that the system would undergo a two-month transition period from Nov 1 to Dec 31 before full implementation on Jan 1, 2026.
With the new setup, parking in Kuching will be managed under a unified digital platform, covering nearly 60,000 parking bays, including around 30,000 under Kuching South City Council (MBKS), 7,000 under Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), and 20,000 privately managed lots.
Dr Sim reiterated that the parking rate would remain at 20 sen per session unchanged for the past 20 years while the upgraded system would continue to evolve to improve user experience and city management.
“With digitalisation, we’re not only making things more convenient. We’re building a safer, smarter Kuching for everyone,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said MBKS had opened registration counters at its headquarters to help the public register and learn to use the new system.
“Our officers are available to guide users step-by-step. So far, more than 500 people have registered within two days,” he said, adding that coupons purchased between January and October this year can still be refunded.
Also present during the visit were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agency, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, and DBKU Mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman.
