Penang has suspended the use of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to issue parking compounds, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced on 8 August.
The state government instructed both the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to halt the system immediately and review its implementation, Malaysiakini reported, citing Bernama.
The decision came hours after MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran defended the system’s one-minute grace period, telling reporters that tests showed motorists could open the Penang Smart Parking app and complete payment within that window. He said motorists were required to pay the moment their vehicles were parked in designated bays, even if they remained inside with the engine running.
The statement intensified an already heated debate. Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng questioned the one-minute grace period, saying technology should make public services easier rather than simply allow fines to be issued more quickly.
At a Penang Pakatan Harapan leadership council meeting on 8 August, the ANPR issue was raised alongside broader concerns about daily living costs. According to The Star, Chow later met with Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim and vice-chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
“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,” Chow said in a statement.
MBPP operates two ANPR patrol vehicles, each staffed by two enforcement officers. One drives while the other verifies parking status before a compound is issued. According to Rajendran, the system averaged about 7,000 compounds per month since it launched on 24 April 2025.
The council said the technology was introduced to reduce human error across Penang’s growing network of parking bays, which has nearly doubled from about 11,000 a decade ago to around 20,000. Former chief minister Lim Guan Eng was among those who raised concerns about the system’s rollout.
Chow said several measures were being worked out and would be announced soon. “What is important is that we listen to the voice of the people, review what needs to be reviewed and ensure that every policy implemented truly takes into account the interests of the people of Penang,” he said.
