GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government must iron out issues involving the enforcement, penalty and appeal mechanisms for the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking system, says Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.
Since the system is temporarily suspended, he said the state government should address concerns and clarify grey areas.
He said technology should not merely enable local authorities to identify violations and issue summonses faster but also make it easier for motorists to pay for and check their parking status and lodge appeals, reducing the risk of fines caused by system glitches or genuine mistakes.
"MCA is not opposed to technology but believes it must be people-centred. Any policy affecting people's daily lives and wallets must first have the necessary systems and safeguards in place.
"The state government must explain whether motorists will be fined if they are unable to pay due to network or system failures, what alternative payment methods are available to senior citizens unfamiliar with smartphones and out-of-state visitors and also if the appeals process are sufficiently accessible," he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 9).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had earlier ordered the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council to immediately suspend ANPR enforcement and review its implementation.
This follows growing criticism of ANPR patrol vehicles, particularly complaints that motorists are given just a grace period of one minute after parking their vehicles, which is too little time to pay before compounds are issued.
Introduced in 2025, MBPP has two ANPR patrol vehicles, each capable of issuing about 7,000 compound notices a month. Each vehicle is staffed by two enforcement officers, with one driving while the other verifies the parking status detected by the system.
