Kuching Goes Fully Digital with Pay & Go Smart Parking

Public parking in Kuching is going fully digital as Pay & Go Sdn Bhd takes over from Kuching City Parking Systems (KCPS) Sdn Bhd on Nov 1, 2025.

The new Pay & Go Smart Parking System will be entirely cashless, allowing motorists to pay, monitor and stop parking sessions via a mobile app or by scanning QR codes at designated zones. The move supports Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s push to make Sarawak a digital economy leader.

Pay & Go CEO Eddie Wee said the shift marks the end of paper-based coupons. “Now, with e-wallets like S Pay Global, parking becomes part of Sarawak’s digital transformation,” he said.

Wee added that Kuching has achieved two ASEAN firsts - becoming the first city to integrate both council and commercial parking in one app, and the largest city in the region to deploy e-bike License Plate Recognition (LPR) enforcement.

Users can pay through the Pay & Go app, scan a QR code, or use cashless kiosks. Enforcement officers on e-bikes with LPR scanners will verify payments in real time. A unique “Smart Return” feature refunds unused parking time. 

“If you pay for one and a half hours but leave earlier, you’ll only be charged for what you use,” Wee said as the goal is to have a fair, efficient and eco-friendly system.

The parking rates remain the same, and seasonal passes can now be purchased directly in-app. For seniors, the Elderly Easy Payment feature allows automatic deductions upon license plate detection, no smartphone needed. Registration starts Oct 28 at MBKS and DBKU council counters.

The app also shows real-time parking availability checkers to help users avoid congested zones. A trial run begins Nov 1 before full rollout expected on Jan 1, 2026, supported by over 100 new kiosks and awareness campaigns across media and social platforms.

Source: The Borneopost