Penang halts use of automatic number plate recognition for parking offences over public concerns
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state’s two local councils have been ordered to immediately suspend the ANPR system for issuing compounds pending a review. — Bernama pic
Summary
- The Penang state government has ordered the suspension of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system used for issuing parking compounds, pending a review.
- This decision follows public feedback and concerns about the system's implementation.
- Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasized the importance of considering public opinion in policy-making.
- The ANPR system, operational since April 2025, improved enforcement efficiency, but has raised apprehensions among residents.
First Published: Sunday, 09 Aug 2026 9:00 AM MYT
GEORGE TOWN, Aug 9 — The Penang state government has instructed both local authorities in the state to immediately suspend the implementation of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system for issuing compounds, to allow a review of its details.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the decision was made after the state government took into account public feedback and views regarding the implementation of the system.
“The state government will instruct both local authorities, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP)) to immediately suspend the implementation of ANPR and review its details.
“What is important is that we listen to the people’s voices, 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 in a Facebook post tonight.
Chow said the matter was among those discussed during a meeting with Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim and Penang DAP deputy chairman Zairil Khir Johari after he chaired the Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) Leadership Council meeting here yesterday.
Chow said they also discussed several issues concerning the livelihood of Penang residents, particularly the economic challenges currently being faced, and that several related measures would be detailed and announced in the near future.
Friday, MBPP Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the use of the ANPR system by MBPP, which began on April 24 last year, had resulted in an average of about 7,000 parking offence compounds being issued every month.
He said the number of compounds showed that the technology had helped improve the efficiency of parking enforcement, particularly as the number of parking bays managed by the local authority on the island had now reached nearly 20,000.
The ANPR system, which began operating on April 24, 2025 involving two vehicles, enabled MBPP to detect parking offences more accurately compared with manual inspection methods.
However, its implementation had caused unease and concern among Penang residents, including former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. — Bernama
There is a lack of checks and balances with ANPR which were previously in place with manual offences reading.
ReplyDeleteThere have been complaints of compounds being issued within minutes of the car being parked, with the driver still in the car, not yet even having the opportunity to transact the parking fee.