Kuching new smart parking system: Begins Nov 1 and includes ability to check parking availability
In a bold move aligning with the Sarawak Premier’s vision for digital economy transformation], Kuching is set to implement a cutting-edge, integrated smart parking system.
This initiative marks a significant step in the city’s smart-city evolution, promising to redefine urban mobility and convenience for motorists.
The state Cabinet recently approved the awarding of the on-street parking concession to a new operator, which is equipped with the necessary technology to introduce this modern system.
This effort aims to simplify the parking experience and enhance efficiency across the city.
The new partnership will culminate in a two-month pilot run beginning on November 1, 2025, followed by the official launch on January 1, 2026.
This timeline ensures a smooth transition to the new digital platform.
Crucially, the system is designed to provide greater convenience and efficiency for citizens by uniquely integrating both council-managed on-street parking and private commercial parking into a single mobile application.
This unified approach is what will make Kuching the first city in Malaysia to achieve this level of seamless public-private parking integration.
Features of Kuching smart parking system
A key feature of the modernisation is the introduction of advanced payment and enforcement technologies.
Enforcement will be significantly upgraded through License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology.
This technology facilitates real-time monitoring and ensures compliance with parking regulations, much like the systems used in modern shopping malls, thus promoting transparency.
The most compelling user benefit lies in the system’s complete integration. The single mobile application not only manages council parking but also incorporates payment and management for private shopping mall parking.
This allows users to handle all their parking needs—public and private—within one platform, eliminating the hassle of juggling multiple systems.
The app further enhances the experience by allowing drivers to pay and extend their parking sessions directly from their phones or via a convenient QR code scan. This was seen and tested when I tested the mobile app some time ago.
Beyond convenience, the new smart parking system is set to deliver tangible environmental and traffic benefits.
The mobile application will feature the ability for motorists to check parking availability in advance.
This crucial feature will empower drivers to plan their routes more effectively, actively contributing to a reduction in unnecessary traffic congestion caused by searching for empty spots.
By saving time and lowering fuel consumption, the system directly supports the Sarawak government’s ambition for a cleaner, greener environment.
Scratch coupon system stays on
That said, motorists will benefit from seamless mobile app payment for on-street council parking, though the option to continue using traditional coupons will remain available “until further notice” to ease public adoption.
Prior to this, Kuching has been using the traditional coupon parking system to charge for public parking, with selected malls as well as privately owned buildings adopting to the more advanced smart parking system.
With KK, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu already using smart parking systems, the change in how public parking is managed in Kuching is much welcomed.
Sources: Wong Hong Seng
