Learn how to use BorneoParkKCH: The new Kuching Digital Parking System

Kuching is on the verge of a significant change to its on-street parking system, transitioning from its long-standing scratch coupons to a fully digital solution.

This move, which is a key part of the city’s broader Smart City initiative, aims to enhance convenience, reduce congestion, and improve overall urban mobility.

The new system, known as BorneoParkKCH has already been rolled out, albeit not yet gaining popularity due to the still present scratch coupon system which is managed by Kuching City parking Systems (KCPS).

How to use BorneoParkKCH

My first use of the BorneoParkKCH was pleasent – at least for someone rather tech savvy like me.

The app, which is available to download on both Android’s Playstore and Apple’s Appstore, requires you to register yourself before you can enter it. This is done by signing up.

The app requires a valid email, your name, mobile phone number as well as a password.

Once you had completed the registration (sign-up), you need to register your car. Details required are pretty basic like the car plate number (vehicle number), its colour, bran and model.

After you have registered yourself as well as your vehicle, you also need to reload the app with money.

This is done easily with SPay (Sarawak Pay), online banking or credit cards, easy if you have such facilities.

Once all the registration and reloading is done, you can start using the app to pay for parking.

Generally, you need to select your vehicle plate number (which you registered earlier), and then select your parking duration.

The app offers four choices of time length to park your car, namely for 30 minutes, an hour, 4 hours and 9 hours. I find this so much more convenient as compared to the scratch coupon, although I would like to have more time length options available.

Estimating how long you intend to park can be tricky, but once you had figured that out, tap on the duration of your choice to pay for the parking fee.

The app will ask you to reconfirm your selection and once that is done, your balance will be deducted and a countdown timer appear to show how much time left you have for parking.

Detection of parking payment is done using the car plate number with parking attendants likely to be equipped with devices to check if your vehicle’s parking time is still adequate or not.

If you parked beyond the paid duration, a compound will likely be issued, and I figure that it will automatically appear in the app without the parking attendant needing to issue a physical slip as per the old system.

You can also check if you have previous compounds manually by typing in your vehicle plate number.

Aside from open public parking, the app also allows parking for gated compounds such as in ST3 and Stutong market.

The new system makes it easier to renew your parking validation and keep a record of all transactions, hence saving money.

However, the rates charged, especially for overparking, need to be clearly defined as I find the jump from parking for 30 minutes, to an hour, and the four hours, quite steep between each other.

The transition and phasing out of Kuching Parking Coupons

Anyway, the shift from the physical coupon system, managed by Kuching City Parking Systems (KCPS), to the new syetem, which is also managed by KCPS is much welcomed.

The transition is expected to be a gradual process to ensure a smooth transition for all residents.

During the initial rollout, a transition period will be in effect, during which the old scratch coupons will still be valid.

The existing coupons can be used until a specific deadline, which is currently set for October 31, 2025.

This allows motorists to use up their existing stock before the full digital system takes over.

Following this period, any remaining unused coupons will be managed through a rebate system or other means, with further announcements expected from the city council.

Further details on the new BorneoParkKCH can be expected as we move closer to October 31st, but it is important to note that such system is also available for Sibu, Bintulu and Miri which has their own BorneoPark app.

Article source: SuaraSarawak, BorneoPost