Ng: Selangor Intelligent Parking initiative key to state's 'smart city' ambitions

New Straits Times

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Intelligent Parking (SIP) is more than just an initiative to improve parking systems under local councils; it's a key part of the state's "smart city" ambitions.
Selangor Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the "smart city" concept is the "way of the future". Ng stated that the SIP was being planned with this larger vision in mind.
The system, he said, would align with the Smart Selangor initiative and serve the state's broader agenda, including establishing command centres and harnessing the power of big data.
Ng also highlighted that beyond improving the parking system, improving security was a significant concern.
"Previously, our parking systems did not have any integrated surveillance cameras (CCTVs) or other features," he told the New Straits Times. "Having such features means we can integrate our operations with the police. It would not be limited to just parking."
"These things can be implemented together for the whole of Selangor in the future. This is for the first phase, and if it's successful, we can extend this model to all of Selangor," he added.
Ng was commenting on concerns raised by several Pakatan Harapan Members of Parliament from Selangor.
Earlier today, Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof, Subang MP Wong Chen, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, and Selayang MP William Leong held a press conference on SIP in the Dewan Rakyat. Among the issues they raised was the possibility of reduced revenues for local councils.
Ng assured that the state government will ensure the implementation of the planned smart parking system results in a "win-win" situation for all parties, including local councils.
He acknowledged the government was aware of the concerns some had about the SIP initiative, particularly the possible loss of revenue for local councils. "We have met councillors (from the local councils involved in SIP)," Ng said. "We take their concerns very seriously, but we still have time to look into these concerns to find a win-win solution."
On the rollout, Ng said the Selangor Exco meeting today (Wed) would discuss the issues raised to ensure SIP's implementation is proper and goes smoothly. "But if more time is needed for further discussions, we will do it (postpone implementation)," he clarified.
Ng also explained that the SIP for the four local councils involved – Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selayang, and Shah Alam – does not follow the traditional privatisation model.
"This new model was approved by the state National Security Council. We involved Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) and state-owned subsidiary Rantaian Mesra," he said. "Through Rantaian Mesra, we also invited public and private companies to work with the local authorities on SIP."
Ng expressed confidence that parking via SIP could be managed more effectively than before.
Addressing questions about the RM200 million for the initial capital investment, which would be borne by the concessionaire, Ng said this figure was an estimated amount covering all four local councils over a five-year period. This would include upgrades to CCTVs and related systems.
This includes the installation of about 1,800 CCTV cameras in high-traffic parking areas within the four councils.
"For example, many people use false plates these days, so we must be able to detect these fake plates," he said, adding that this included cloned cars. "Otherwise, when you issue a summons and someone challenges it in court, we can lose."