Parking in Kota Kinabalu and Penampang just got a lot easier.
A new integration between Sabah Smart Parking (SSP) and Flexi Parking, signed off by Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah, means motorists can now pay using just one app of their choice—either SSP or Flexi Parking—without needing to switch between platforms.
“If you are in Kota Kinabalu, you can use Flexi Parking. If you are in Penampang, Sabah Smart Parking works just as well.
“There is no need to download both anymore,” Sabin said, adding that discussions on the initiative began last year following complaints from motorists over the inconvenience of multiple apps.
The move follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) and Majlis Perbandaran Penampang, backed by the Sabah Local Government and Housing Ministry.
The agreement, inked in Kota Kinabalu, was attended by Penampang District Officer Francis Chong, DBKK Director-General Lilfred Wong, and Local Government and Housing Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Dr Jamili Nais.
The integration takes effect on March 10 (Monday), giving motorists time to adjust.
Since the launch of SSP by DBKK, fine collections have doubled—from RM400,000 in January to RM800,000, and over RM1 million in February.
Meanwhile, Jamili said the integration would not stop with KK and Penampang, as Putatan is next in line.
“Putatan will be the next district to implement this system, and we expect other local governments in Sabah to follow suit,” he said.
The Sabah Smart Parking system, which adheres to Bank Negara’s security standards, currently has over 270,000 users in Kota Kinabalu and 80,000 in Penampang.
DBKK launched their smart parking app on October 13, last year while Penampang launched the Flexi parking app on July 1, 2024. Putatan meanwhile launched theirs on February 1, this year.
While Penampang still allows coupon-based parking, Jamili says it is only a matter of time before a full transition to digital payments statewide.
The move follows mounting frustration among Sabah motorists over the hassle of juggling multiple parking apps.
With this integration, officials hope to streamline parking payments and pave the way for a seamless system across Sabah. – March 7, 2025
