Four young Malaysian entrepreneurs have developed a mobile app called ParkEasy app, for booking parking spot in shopping malls of Kuala Lumpur. The app allows one to state the timing of booking prior to arrival and will remember the spot for you.
ParkEasy has since received funding from an initiative by the Malaysian government.
This app can potentially save significant amounts of time looking for parking spots and help those who forgot theirs after a long day of shopping.
The app also gives a bird eye’s view of parking areas to give motorists relevant information before selecting a parking spot.
Such government-assisted parking apps are not common. Just last month , Singapore launched a Park&Go @SG app . Park&Go @SG give live updates on available parking spaces in various location using information provided by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Housing Development Board (HDB)
ParkEasy’s booking function however, is a unique feature which has so far been received positively by the Malaysian government..
The ParkEasy team received RM210 000 (US$ 49 000) of matching grant to develop this app in addition to the RM90 000 (US$ 21 000) they raised.
ParkEasy CEO Warren Chan associated the inspiration for the idea with conventional booking apps designed to ease consumer lifestyle.
“I have booked movie tickets using mobile apps so I thought why we can’t book a parking spot too?” he said in an interview with Top Funded, an investment research initiative in Southeast Asia.
Parking in a booked spot will trigger an alarm that will mall authorities clamp the vehicle. The app is available for download in android phones and will soon be available on Apple iOS. The company brands its consumer benefits as saving time, money and fuel.
Minister Datuk Mah Siew Keong cited the app as an example of Malaysian innovation and creativity. Currently only available in Kuala Lumpur, Park Easy aims to expand across other Malaysian states and the Southeast Asian region.
The app is currently supported by Malaysia‘s National Digital Economy Initiative, Digital Malaysia.
Digital Malaysia is a national programme based on three strategic thrusts to advance the country towards a developed digital economy by 2020.
It will create an ecosystem that promotes the pervasive use of ICT in all aspects of the economy to connect communities globally.
