Smart on-street parking system launched via SMC Cares app
by Philip Wong · Borneo Post OnlineSIBU (Jan 1): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has officially launched its On-Street Smart Parking System via the SMC Cares app on Dec 29.
In a statement, SMC said the initiative marks a significant step forward in Sibu’s Smart City transformation, offering the public a convenient, cashless and environmentally friendly way to pay for on-street parking.
A transition period of three to six months will be implemented to allow the public to familiarise themselves with the new system. During this period, both physical parking coupons and e-payments through the SMC Cares app will be accepted.
“SMC will monitor the rollout and announce the official end date of the transition period in due course,” the statement said.
After the transition period ends, physical parking coupons will no longer be accepted, and only active parking sessions initiated through the SMC Cares app will be considered valid.
Users who still hold valid and unused physical parking coupons at the end of the transition period will be able to redeem their value as parking credit in their registered SMC Cares account. Details of the redemption process will be announced later.
SMC said the key feature of the new system is digital payment through the SMC Cares smartphone application. The public can now pay for on-street parking electronically via the latest version of the app, which is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
New users are required to register an account within the updated app.
For added convenience, users can save frequently used vehicle plate numbers and reload parking credit to enable faster payments.
Currently, the supported payment channel for reloading parking credit is S Pay Global. SMC added that additional payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, FPX and DuitNow, will be integrated in the near future once ready.
As part of integrated and smart enforcement, SMC is introducing automated enforcement using License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology. Parking enforcement officers will use smart devices to scan parked vehicles and instantly verify whether payment has been made via the app.
“To avoid receiving a parking compound, users are strongly advised to activate and pay for their parking session via the app immediately before leaving their vehicle,” SMC said.
All existing outstanding over-parking fees and parking compounds will be progressively updated into the SMC Cares system.
Once completed, users can check any outstanding amounts linked to their registered vehicle plate numbers and settle payments digitally through the app.
For guidance on using the Smart Parking feature, the public is encouraged to visit SMC’s official Facebook page, where tutorial materials will be made available.
The new Smart Parking System underscores SMC’s commitment to enhancing urban mobility, reducing paper waste and delivering efficient, modern services to residents and visitors of Sibu.”