KUALA LUMPUR: HeiTech Padu Bhd (HPB) and its joint venture partner ACO Tech Sdn Bhd (ATSB) are incorporating the Penang smart parking system with national automaker Proton Holdings Bhd (PHB).
The initiative is to incorporate the Penang smart parking system into Proton's infotainment head units (IHU), the first of its kind in Malaysia, enhancing the capabilities of the parking system integration.
HPB president and executive deputy chairman Datuk Sri Mohd Hilmey Mohd Taib said the collaboration is a significant milestone for both HPB and ATSB, as it demonstrates the commitment shown by both parties towards innovation and excellence in mobility-enhancing technology.
"The smart parking solutions is an advanced parking management platform that utilises modern technologies such as sensors, mobile apps and cloud computing to provide real-time information on parking availability, location and pricing.
"Hence, this proves our commitment to improving Malaysian drivers' quality of life via modern solutions for their everyday challenges.
"We are confident that integrating the Penang smart parking system into Proton cars will be a game-changer for the automotive industry in Malaysia," he said in a statement.
A memorandum of collaboration (MoC) was signed by HPB and ATSB, sealing their commitment to work together towards the integration's success, enabling Proton car owners to locate available parking spots and make payments easily via their vehicle IHU.
With the integration, drivers will no longer waste time circling looking for available parking spots, as they can rely on their IHU to guide them to the nearest available parking facility and make payments digitally without having to reach for their mobile devices before disembarking the vehicle.
Developed by HPB, the smart parking solutions is currently the first parking system integration of its kind in Malaysia and has been successfully implemented in Penang and Kulim, Kedah.
"The smart parking solutions are our contribution to the smart mobility component of the Malaysian Smart City Framework (MSCF), which is aligned with our vision of empowering local councils to
become smart cities.
"The smart parking solutions would also enable HPB to be part of the government's transformational journey, hence fulfilling the agenda of Malaysia Madani, which is to focus on problem-solving processes, meeting the nation's needs, and creating a peaceful and prosperous future," Mohd Hilmey said.
HPB has also developed smart solutions that provide local councils with tools to manage better tax and rental collection, effective and efficient communications channels, reduced over-the-counter services operations, enhanced delivery of bills and statements, as well as
promote tourist attractions in the states.
Their mobile applications, such as electronic licensing and billing, have helped local councils become more efficient and effective in their operations and reduce their overall carbon footprint.
"HPB is well positioned to move beyond our current core system integration and maintenance services competencies and capture some of the emerging technologies.
"We have started our journey to expand our offerings via transactional-based solutions within the mass market.
"Our smart parking solutions, e-know your customers, payment gateway, smart applications for local councils, smart applications for cooperatives, school management solutions, and teaching portals are some examples already in the market.
"We have also moved into the cybersecurity realm by offering enterprise-based solutions that are customised to suit the respective safety requirements of any organisation," Mohd Hilmey said.
The MoC was signed by HPB executive vice president Abdul Halim Md Lassim and ATSB chief executive officer Li Pu at the Proton Centre of Excellence, Shah Alam.
Present to witness the MoC were Mohd Hilmey, PHB deputy chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah and under secretary of Penang state government Nur Aishah Md Norodin.