- Penang has ordered both local councils to immediately suspend the use of automated number plate recognition (ANPR) in parking enforcement and review its implementation, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
- The decision to suspend ANPR was made after the state government considered public feedback regarding the system's implementation, particularly complaints about insufficient time to pay parking fees.
- The ANPR system was introduced in 2025 as part of Penang's smart parking enforcement upgrade, aimed at reducing human error and improving efficiency.
- Public criticism intensified over the one-minute grace period for parking payments, with Tan Teik Cheng questioning its adequacy, stating that technology should simplify public services rather than expedite fines.
- The Penang Pakatan Harapan leadership council discussed the ANPR issue on August 8, leading to the Chief Minister's decision to suspend the system.
Penang's Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the immediate suspension of the automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system for parking enforcement, following significant public backlash. The decision was made after a leadership council meeting on August 8, where concerns about the system's implementation were discussed.1
The ANPR system, introduced in 2025, aimed to enhance parking enforcement efficiency as the number of council parking bays increased from 11,000 to 20,000 over the past decade. However, public criticism intensified over the one-minute grace period provided for motorists to pay before fines were issued, leading to complaints of insufficient time.45
Chow emphasized the need for the state government to remain sensitive to the public's concerns, stating, “We agreed that the state government must continue to be sensitive and listen to the pulse of the people, and take appropriate steps to help ease their burden.” The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had two ANPR patrol vehicles capable of issuing approximately 7,000 compounds a month, with each vehicle staffed by two enforcement officers.
Chow indicated that several measures are being developed and will be announced soon, as the government seeks to address the public's concerns while reviewing the ANPR system's details.
The decision to suspend the ANPR system reflects the government's responsiveness to public feedback and the need for a balanced approach to parking enforcement in Penang.
“The suspension follows criticism that motorists were given too little time to pay, with MBPP Mayor A. Rajendran defending a one-minute grace period as sufficient. The system, introduced in 2025, has two ANPR patrol vehicles capable of issuing about 7,000 compounds monthly.”
Malaysiakini
