When the Penang Smart Parking System was launched on Sunday, the app was only available for iPhone users. Obviously, those who are using Android smartphones were being left out.
At today’s press conference, Penang Local Government Committee Chairman, Jagdeep Singh Deo, said the Android version is now available for download.
At the time of writing, we can’t seem to search for the app on the Google Play Store but you can download the Penang Smart Parking app here or by scanning the QR code above.
Similar to the earlier promo, they are giving RM5 credit for the first 10,000 users. We tried to register a new account and we are still able to receive the RM5 credit. It appears that the provider has allocated a fresh batch of free credits for Android users as it was reported that over 11,000 registrations were made via the iOS app a couple of days ago.
The system claims to be Malaysia’s first smart parking system as it uses a combination of IoT sensors and direction guidance systems to help drivers locate available parking spots. The RM115 million smart parking system has hit a snag shortly after the launch as only 30 sensors were installed on the island.
The contractor, HeiTech Padu, was supposed to have installed 647 sensors on the island and 350 sensors on the mainland by 18 August, according to the contract schedule. Apart from not having the Android app ready on time, there are reports of users being issued summons even though they have used the app to pay for parking.
It was reported today that new stock of sensors was stuck at the Hong Kong airport due to the ongoing protests. The contractor is arranging for the sensors to be shipped by sea and it is expected to arrive in Penang by 6th September 2019. Both Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) have issued show-cause letters to HeiTech, demanding an explanation for the failure of the PSP system.
