Affected motorists ask for time to adapt
MOTORISTS are demanding more time to transition after Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) announced it will scrap its current parking app for a new system on May 1.
With less than three weeks’ notice, users say the shift to Parkmax@Johor from the current MBJB Spot mobile app is unreasonably quick, particularly for the elderly who struggle with digital changes.
Retiree Balbeer Singh, 65, said people should be given more time to prepare.
“Users should still be given until the end of this year to prepare for the change, or at the very least, six months.
“The current grace period until the end of April is unacceptable,” he said, adding that not all users were well-versed in technology.
Balbeer also pointed out that this was the second time MBJB had made such a sudden move – the first was when it replaced its physical manual coupon system with the MBJB Spot app.
“I had about RM50 worth of parking coupons at that time that went to waste, and I was even fined for using the coupons as I was not aware of the change.
“At least back then, users were given more time to prepare, but the dissemination of information was equally poor, as the message did not reach everyone.”
MBJB Spot was introduced in 2024. Beyond parking, it serves as a portal for users to check and pay traffic summonses or compounds issued by MBJB.
On April 15, MBJB announced that MBJB Spot app would end on April 30.
There was initial public backlash, with many noting that they still had a lot of credit in the existing app.
On April 16, MBJB clarified that users would be able to transfer their credit to Parkmax@Johor.
Wedding decorator Lee Pu Ying, 42, questioned the need for constant change.
“It may not be that difficult for my peers or me to get used to the new app, but we have to remember that many users are elderly and may struggle with the change.
“Some may even have to wait for their children or grandchildren to come home to help with it,” she said.
Trader Arshad Fuad, 37, hoped this would be the last change by MBJB.
“The short notice is one thing, but it can also be difficult for users who are already struggling to adapt.
“In my case, I now have to prepare not only myself, but also my parents and some older relatives who are already burdened with having to cope with so many other changes around them.
“I hope the council will come out with easy-to-understand, step-by-step instructions to transfer our credit from the current system to the new one,” he said.
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