Digital parking system information safe – KK Mayor

KOTA KINABALU (Oct 24): The Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) has assured that the personal information of those registering for the Sabah Smart Parking application is safe amidst concerns from the public.

Mayor Dato Sri Dr Sabin Samitah said since the digital parking system was launched on October 16, DBKK had received various feedback from users, especially regarding the information required to register for the application.

Sabin said the application prompts users to input their name and date of birth during registration, but what had concerned them the most was that it also requires them to input the last four digits of their MyKad identification number.

He said several users, part of some 60,000 who have installed the application so far, had expressed concerns that this information would be sold off or used by scammers.

“As we all know, any system developed by not only government agencies but also companies are subject to the rules and regulations set by the government, where they cannot simply share or sell these information to any party.

“This registration method is actually used by all companies handling digital parking systems throughout Malaysia. Even the Penampang District Council’s digital parking system also requires the last four digits of MyKad to register.

“Additionally, the Sabah Smart Parking application is also verified by Bank Negara Malaysia,” he told a press conference today.

Meanwhile, Sabin said users who still have physical parking coupons can still use them until November 16, before they are completely replaced by the Smart Sabah Parking (SSP) system.

He said starting today, they can also bring these physical coupons to any DBKK parking counters or booths and the balance will be credited into their accounts in the new digital system.

On the monthly parking pass, which can be applied and paid for through the SSP, he said each vehicle requires its separate pass, instead of using one pass for multiple vehicles.

Sabin said this had been the practice since the implementation of the physical seasonal pass, which can only be used at green parking spaces in the city.

“All local authorities throughout Malaysia using digital parking systems have been using this same method, where one monthly digital pass is only applicable to one vehicle licence plate.

“So let’s say one has three vehicles, then they have to apply for three monthly passes to avoid being compounded by our enforcement officers,” he said.

At the same time, the mayor said users who face issues such as not having the SSP application, not using a smartphone, are senior citizens, have no internet access or online banking, etc., can go to any DBKK parking booth for assistance.

He said among the services offered at their booths or counters include the purchasing of parking credits and topping up, help in installing the SSP application, and so on.

Sabin also said that friends and families of users can help them pay for their parking through the application, by informing them the parking space color, length of stay and licence plate number.

This also applies to the monthly pass, where other people can help them pay by informing them their licence plate number.

Sabin also urged users with parking compounds to take advantage of their amnesty programme and clear their arrears with no penalties incurred, giving an example that a RM100 compound could be reduced to a mere RM10.

He stressed that this programme will end on October 31, and no more such amnesty will be offered in the future.