KOTA KINABALU: Motorists in Kota Kinabalu and Penampang will soon enjoy a more seamless parking experience with the integration of two digital parking apps – Sabah Smart Parking and Flexi Parking.

The initiative, effective Monday (March 10), follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on Saturday (March 8) between Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and the Penampang Municipal Council.

With this integration, drivers can use either app to pay for parking in both Kota Kinabalu and Penampang, eliminating the hassle of switching between platforms.

DBKK mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said the move simplifies parking payments for the 270,000 Sabah Smart Parking users and 80,000 Flexi Parking users.

“Previously, motorists had to use different apps depending on the area. Now, they can use either app to pay for parking in both Kota Kinabalu and Penampang,” he said after the MoU signing on Friday (March 7).

The decision comes in response to public frustration over separate digital payment systems in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and Putatan, which many found inconvenient, particularly elderly individuals and those less familiar with technology.

Since introducing digital parking payments, DBKK has recorded a 100% increase in parking compound payments.

“In January 2024, we collected RM400,000 in parking fines. By January this year, the amount had doubled to RM800,000,” Sabin revealed.

The MOU was also witnessed by Local Government and Housing Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Dr Jamili Nais and Penampang Municipal Council president Francis Chong.

This integration marks a step toward a more unified and user-friendly digital parking system in Sabah, reducing confusion and improving efficiency for motorists.

Meanwhile, Nais said Putatan is next in line for integration.

DBKK launched its smart parking app in October 2024, followed by Penampang’s Flexi Parking app in July 2024 and Putatan in February 2025.

While Penampang still allows coupon-based parking, a full transition to digital payments is expected.