Johor bahru: Johor state government is set to gazette more than 500 new parking spaces in areas around Johor Bahru, Pasir Gudang, and Kulai. This move aims to tackle long-term parking issues, particularly affecting those working in Singapore.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor highlighted that the initiative was prompted by reports of vehicles being parked long-term, even in public areas near hospitals and busy spots. The gazetting process for the new parking areas is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026. The implementation phase will take two to three months, allowing for the necessary state government approvals and formal procedures.

"This measure aims to create a more orderly and equitable parking system and to stop vehicles being left parked for 14 to 16 hours without payment," Datuk Mohd Jafni told reporters after the Johor State Legislative Assembly winding-up session at the Sultan Ismail Building. The state government is also exploring new options, including potential time limits on parking and fees for extended-stay parking.

During the winding-up session, Mohd Jafni announced that the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) will waive all vehicle parking fees across its areas for this month. This move is intended to give residents time to download the new Parkmax@JOHOR app, which will replace MBJBSpot from June 1. MBJBSpot users with leftover credit can claim a refund or transfer it using an online form or by visiting MBJB counters by May 31. The existing credit balances will remain unaffected.

Mohd Jafni noted that the migration process to the new system will be conducted in phases. This development forms part of broader efforts to unify digital parking across the state.