MOTORISTS have until Dec 31 to transfer their parking credit balance from the MBJBSpot app to the new Parkmax@Johor app that will replace it.
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the extension aimed to give users more time following the Johor Baru City Council’s (MBJB) migration to the new digital parking system for the state.
He said applications can be submitted online or in person at Menara MBJB in Bukit Senyum or at any of the MBJB branches listed on the council’s website.
“We want to ensure that no user is left behind during the transition to the new system,” he said after chairing the council’s full board meeting at Menara MBJB.
Mohd Haffiz urged motorists to download and use the Parkmax@Johor app, which was introduced on May 1 and is used by six local councils in Johor for public street parking.
He said the MBJBSpot app had more than 400,000 users while the Parkmax@Johor platform currently has 695,677 registered users.
Mohd Haffiz said no enforcement action will be taken against those who have yet to migrate from MBJBSpot, which will be discontinued as the council is focusing on facilitating the transition.
He added that MBJB is actively carrying out the phased transfer of parking credit balances for users who can provide proof of ownership.
The mayor also expressed appreciation for the public’s support of the council’s digitalisation efforts, saying the unified platform would provide greater convenience and improve delivery of parking services.
The migration to Parkmax@Johor was announced by MBJB in April as part of efforts to integrate parking services under a single platform for all Johor local councils.
The move initially drew criticism from motorists who felt the transition period was too short and raised concerns over unused MBJBSpot credit balances.
Following public feedback, the council clarified that users would be able to transfer their remaining credits to the new platform.
Motorists who have switched to Parkmax@Johor described their experience as positive, although a few said there were hiccups during the transition period.
Student Stassie Lee, 21, said it took about three days for her credit to be transferred and she encountered issues during the migration process.
“I managed to sort it out myself but I understand users can contact the app’s hotline for assistance,” said Lee.
Nurse L. Prema, 41, said she still has about RM20 in her MBJBSpot account.
She thought it would be transferred automatically, but has yet to see it reflected in the new app.
“So far, the new app is very easy to use,” said Prema.
“I hope future updates can include an auto-deduction feature or reminders for users who forget to pay for parking,” she added.
He said the notice period was sufficient, but information on the transition should also be disseminated through social media, text messages and announcements at parking areas to ensure everyone is informed.
Azri said a transition period of one to three months was reasonable and suggested that MBJB provide a step-by-step guide, video tutorials, information counters and assistance to senior citizens to ease migration.
