TAWAU: The Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) is urged to grant a grace period of at least three months ahead of the implementation of the Smart Parking System scheduled to begin on Jan 1, 2026.
The new system is in line with the gazettement of the Uniform Vehicle Parking By-law 2023, which replaces the MPT Parking By-law 1982.
Sabah DAP Committee member Philip Yap said with the rollout of the system, Tawau will become the fourth local authority in Sabah to adopt smart parking, with all parking fee collections to be fully managed by MPT, replacing the previous operator, Tawau Carpark Sdn Bhd.
The system requires users to download the MPT Smart Parking application on their smartphones, while the use of physical parking tickets will be completely discontinued as part of the Council’s digitalisation efforts.
In addition, Philip said, paid parking zones will be expanded to several commercial areas, including Unijaya Commercial Centre, Gaya Commercial Centre, Taipan Commercial Centre, Jalan Budi and the Pertama Complex (Takada).
He said he received numerous feedback and complaints from the public, particularly senior citizens and individuals who are less digitally literate and are concerned about potential difficulties in using the smart parking application.
Following discussions with MPT, Philip said the Council informed him that although the old system will be phased out, an alternative will be provided through the sale of scratch card parking coupons for users who do not use smartphones.
At the same time, he proposed that MPT consider granting a grace period of at least three months during the initial phase of implementation.
“During this period, enforcement actions such as issuing summonses to vehicles that fail to make parking payments should be suspended, and an educational approach should be prioritised instead,” he said.
Philip also suggested that informational notices on how to use the Smart Parking application be placed on vehicles to give users sufficient time to understand and adapt to the new system.
He stressed that the implementation of new technology must be inclusive, as its purpose is not to burden the public but to make things easier.
As such, he said an adjustment period is crucial to ensure all segments of society can accept and use the system effectively.
Philip added that he will continue to monitor the implementation of the MPT Smart Parking system to ensure the welfare and convenience of parking users in Tawau remain a priority.
