P Pinang batal kompaun parkir ANPR, bayar balik saman

Pulau Pinang's state government has revoked all fines issued through its Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, citing issues with vehicles parked outside designated parking bays. The administration will also refund those who had paid the fines. This move comes after public opposition to the system, particularly complaints that drivers were given too little time to pay the parking fees before receiving a notice to pay.

Previously, local authorities claimed a one-minute warning period was sufficient for drivers to open the Penang Smart Parking (PSP) application and pay. However, the Exco member of the state government, H’ng Mooi Lye, stated that there were instances where drivers only stopped briefly to pick up or drop off passengers, something not clearly identifiable by the camera-based system. ANPR is used by the state's authorized vehicles to scan vehicle registration numbers and monitor parking violations.

The state of Penang began using the ANPR system in April last year as part of the implementation of smart parking applications, with around 7,000 parking notices issued each month. H’ng stated that all ANPR fines for vehicles parked outside designated areas will now be revoked. Those who have already paid can claim a refund from MBPP or the Penang Island City Hall (MBSP) until September 30. Those who paid via the PSP app will receive the refund automatically credited to their PSP accounts.

According to H’ng, 29,240 ANPR parking notices were issued for vehicles parked outside designated bays between April and August 2025. He added that drivers fined for not paying parking fees can appeal if they indeed paid within 10 minutes after the notice was issued. If the fine has been paid, they can also claim a refund. Under the new rules, enforcement action will be carried out manually by PBT officials on the spot based on observation and actual conditions.

Enforcement will continue for vehicles parked in no-parking zones, stopping, or causing obstruction. The state government suspended the use of ANPR after receiving numerous complaints. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow instructed both state authorities to review the system again. H’ng clarified that the ANPR system is not being scrapped, but will no longer be used to automatically issue fines.

He said the state government could reconsider using ANPR in the future with additional safeguards, such as giving drivers a longer 10-minute grace period and verifying vehicles twice before issuing a fine.