KUCHING, Oct 28 — A new era of digital parking is set to begin in Kuching as Pay & Go Sdn Bhd officially takes over the management of public parking in the city from November 1, 2025, replacing the system previously operated by Kuching City Parking Systems (KCPS) Sdn Bhd.
The fully digital and cashless Pay & Go Smart Parking System will allow motorists to pay, monitor, and even stop their parking sessions through a mobile app or by scanning QR codes at designated zones — a move aligned with Sarawak’s digital economy transformation agenda.
From paper coupons to smart parking
Pay & Go chief executive officer Eddie Wee said the introduction of digital parking supports Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg’s vision of transforming Sarawak into a digital economy.
“Previously, everything was paper-based. You had to buy paper coupons with cash. Now, with the use of e-wallets such as S Pay Global, it becomes part of the digital economy transformation.
“We believe this digital smart coupon system will contribute to the state’s digital transformation initiative,” Wee said in an interview by The Borneo Post.
Two regional firsts
According to Wee, Kuching has achieved two regional firsts in Asean with this initiative — making it the first city in the region to integrate both commercial and council on-street parking under one app, and the largest deployment of e-bike License Plate Recognition (LPR) enforcement in South-east Asia.
“No other city in Malaysia or Asean has done this. Kuching has done it, and that’s something we can be proud of.”
Seamless digital experience
Under the new system, motorists can pay for parking using three methods: the Pay & Go app; scanning QR codes displayed at parking zones; or through cashless kiosks around the city.
After parking, users can open the app or scan the QR code, select their vehicle plate number, choose the duration, and pay through either e-wallets, debit or credit cards, or online banking. No physical coupons are needed, as wardens equipped with LPR scanning device and electric patrol bikes fitted with LPR cameras will verify payments in real time.
“If you pay for one and a half hours but leave after half an hour, you can press the stop button. You’ll only be charged for the time used, and the balance will be refunded to your Pay & Go account,” said Wee.
This ‘Smart Return of Unutilised Digital Coupon’ feature ensures users only pay for what they use.
Unchanged rates, but improved convenience
Parking rates remain the same — 20 sen for the first 30 minutes, 50 sen for the next half hour, and 80 sen for the following half hour.
Monthly or seasonal passes can now be purchased directly through the app, without having to queue at counters.
“As long as you have the Pay & Go app, you can buy your seasonal pass online,” said Wee.
“You don’t have to rush to the counter any more, provided your zone isn’t sold out.”
Inclusive feature for senior citizens
To ensure no one is left behind, Pay & Go has introduced the Elderly Easy Payment (EEP) feature for users aged 60 and above.
Wee explained that once registered, senior citizen motorists “can just park and go”, with the system automatically deducting the parking fee when the patrol unit detects their plate number.
“They don’t even need a phone,” he added.
According to Wee, the initiative aligns with Kuching’s reputation as an elderly-friendly city.
“We believe in inclusivity. No one should be left behind — not even the elderly. We want everyone to be part of this digital transformation.”
Registration for the EEP programme begins at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) service desks after October 28, 2025.
Real-time parking updates
The app also features real-time parking availability, enabling drivers to check which zones are open or congested — marked green, yellow, or red — before heading to their destination.
“For example, if Zone A is full, you can check Zone B availability before you drive there. It saves time, fuel, and reduces carbon emissions,” Wee explained.
The trial run for the new system will run from November 1 to December 31, 2025, covering MBKS and DBKU areas before its official launch on January 1, 2026.
Public awareness campaigns will be conducted in multiple languages through media, social media, and influencers.
To complement the mobile app, Pay & Go will soon deploy 100 new kiosks and may utilise 180 existing kiosks across Kuching for payments and top-ups.
Fair, efficient and eco-friendly
Wee said the system’s design focuses on fairness and efficiency, ensuring that motorists only pay for what they use while improving traffic flow and reducing emissions.
“If parking were free, people may abuse the spaces and others wouldn’t be able to park,” he said.
“We’re making it fair through the use of technology — you only pay for what you use. But as responsible citizens, everyone should also make their parking payments faithfully. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
For assistance, motorists can contact the Pay & Go communications team via 016-8641788 (Eddie Wee), 014-9906088 (Desmond Liew), or 011-35492395 (Lynn Tan). — The Borneo Post
