THE Penang Smart Parking (PSP) app is expected to be up and running tomorrow (Sept 5) after encountering technical issues recently.
HeiTech Padu chief executive officer Abdul Halim Md Lassim said the service interruption occurred after the app underwent an upgrading by his company which is managing the PSP system.
“We apologise to nearly 400,000 users for the inconvenience caused from Sept 1 till today,” said Halim during a press conference today.
“All we wanted was to enhance the user experience by upgrading the app from version 1.7.7 to 2.0.1 and did not expect this to happen.
“Currently, we are rectifying the errors as well as conducting tests. Users are able to access the PSP app from tomorrow morning onwards.
“We have also given our commitment to the state government and the local authorities on the quality of our services” he added.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said both the councils (Penang Island City Council – MBPP and Seberang Perai City Council-MBSP) would keep monitoring the operator’s performances.
Under the contract, he said the company would have to pay a minimum sum to the councils for not collecting parking fees for four days from Sept 1 to 4.
“According to the operator (HeiTech Padu), the app will be functional on Sept 5 which is tomorrow.
“We understand that the intention of the operator is purely to improve its services for the benefits of the public.
“But thousands of Penangites are affected due to this and being a state that is moving towards a smart city, we cannot allow incidences such as this to happen.
“Both my local councils will watch over the PSP system and will take further action if it is needed,” said Jagdeep.
Jagdeep had said since the technical glitch was still unresolved, both councils would not impose any parking fees and any compounds issued by them would be cancelled automatically.
Meanwhile, MBSP mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud said the operator need to have a contingency plan before implementing any version upgrades.
“The operator should have informed us (both the local councils) before the upgrading was done. They could have discussed with us on the matter earlier.
“I believe they should also have a backup plan in hand to ensure a smooth operation,” said Rozali.
MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang hoped that such an error would not take place in the future.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alvie Cheng