MBKS Mayor: Don’t worry, most motorists already have app for Kuching’s soon-to-launch smart parking system

File photo of repainted parking lot markers after works were completed.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Oct 25: The eagerly anticipated new smart public parking system for Kuching will be unveiled soon, with most motorists expected to already have the mobile application installed.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the new system is part of efforts to modernise public parking management in the city and to ensure smoother, more efficient operations once it officially takes effect in January 2026 after a two-month pilot phase, which will begin in November 2025.

“Very soon, we will be launching the new smart public parking system. A press conference will be held to announce it officially, and I believe most people already have the app,” he shared during his ShallWeeTalk session today.

He said the BorneoParkKCH app services under Kuching City Parking Systems (KCPS) will cease operation by the end of this month, with the operator having already issued a notice to users who have topped up or reloaded cash credit to claim their remaining balance at the KCPS office.

Wee assured that the council and the new parking system operator are currently addressing several public concerns before the rollout, including how to handle existing coupons, reimbursements, seasonal parking passes, and outstanding compounds.

“The 50 per cent discount on outstanding parking compounds is still ongoing, so please take this opportunity to settle them at MBKS headquarters,” he added.

He urged the public not to panic, assuring that all information about the transition will be announced officially to ensure everyone receives accurate updates instead of fragmented information.

“There’s no need to rush as we want to make sure everything is properly sorted before the official rollout. Our goal is a smooth transition and implementation,” he said.

Wee acknowledged that, as with any new technology, some minor technical issues may arise during the initial stages, but assured that the council will provide full assistance throughout the pilot period.

“Of course, we cannot deny that a new implementation may come with some glitches or small hiccups. But this will not be a big problem. As long as we manage a smooth start during the pilot project, everything will stabilise when we officially begin in January 2026,” he said.

Wee also highlighted that the council is mindful of senior citizens who may not own smartphones or use mobile apps.

“We understand that some elderly people are not familiar with using apps, just like when they go to malls or supermarkets, sometimes their family members help make payments for them. So, this new system will be made more user-friendly, and we will give everyone enough time to adapt,” he said.

He assured that MBKS is committed to ensuring a smooth and pressure-free transition for all road users.

“Please don’t worry about being unfairly penalised or fined. We will know how to handle those cases properly. What’s important is that we move forward confidently as Kuching embraces this new, smarter parking system,” he added. — DayakDaily