Kuching is set to become the first city in Malaysia to integrate public and private parking services into a single digital platform when a smart parking system is rolled out on Jan 1, 2026.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the initiative, recently approved by the State Cabinet, aligns with the Sarawak Premier’s vision of advancing the state’s digital economy.
“We are in the final stage of completing the concession agreement. The new operator will begin a two-month pilot run on Nov 1, 2025, before the official launch,” Wee said in a statement.
The modernised system will feature cashless payments through a dedicated mobile app for on-street council parking, while retaining the option of using coupons until further notice. It will also deploy License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology, similar to that used in shopping malls, for real-time monitoring and enforcement. Importantly, the same app will be integrated with private shopping mall parking facilities, offering a seamless experience across the city.
Motorists will be able to extend their parking time via mobile or QR code and check for available spaces in advance.
According to Wee, the system is expected to help ease traffic congestion, save fuel, reduce travel time and contribute to a greener environment.
“This project is designed to bring greater convenience and efficiency to the community while elevating Kuching’s profile as a connected and digital city,” he stressed.
