(Kuching, October 2025) — Kuching has taken a significant step forward in smart city development with the introduction of ASEAN’s first unified smart parking system, integrating both municipal and commercial parking under a single digital platform.
According to a report by DayakDaily, the newly launched Pay & Go Smart Parking System covers more than 30,000 parking bays across the city, making it one of the most comprehensive digital parking solutions in the region.
A Fully Integrated Parking Ecosystem
The system consolidates parking services managed by local councils and private operators into one seamless platform. Motorists can conveniently pay for parking through:
- A mobile application
- QR code scanning at parking locations
- Cashless payment kiosks
This unified approach simplifies the user experience while improving operational efficiency across Kuching’s urban parking infrastructure.
Smart Enforcement with Innovative Technology
To ensure compliance and enhance urban safety, the system deploys electric bikes equipped with License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras. These patrol parking areas, automatically detecting whether vehicles have paid or overstayed.
The technology not only improves enforcement efficiency but also contributes to safer urban environments by recording surrounding activity.
Inclusive Design for All Users
A key highlight of the system is its focus on inclusivity. The Elderly Easy Payment (EEP) feature allows motorists aged 60 and above to park without needing to manually operate the app.
Once registered, the system automatically detects their vehicle and deducts parking fees seamlessly, ensuring that senior citizens can benefit from digital innovation without technological barriers.
Real-Time Availability and Sustainable Benefits
The system introduces real-time parking availability tracking, using colour indicators to show occupancy levels before motorists arrive. This helps reduce time spent searching for parking, lowers fuel consumption, and contributes to a more sustainable urban environment.
In addition, the move toward a fully digital system eliminates the need for paper parking coupons, supporting Kuching’s broader environmental and green city initiatives.
Fair and Flexible Payment Model
Motorists benefit from a user-centric billing system that charges based on actual usage. If a user leaves earlier than planned, they can stop the parking session and receive a refund for unused time, ensuring fair and transparent pricing.
Driving the Future of Smart Cities
The rollout of the unified Pay & Go system represents a major milestone in Kuching’s digital transformation journey. By combining technology, inclusivity, and sustainability, the city sets a benchmark for smart parking solutions across ASEAN.
