KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 -- Penang has officially rolled out an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system to issue parking fines, in a move aimed at improving efficiency and reducing reliance on manual enforcement.

According to Free Malaysia Today, the system, which is effective today, scans vehicle number plates in real time to detect unpaid parking fees and automatically issues compounds - all without the need for on-site officers.

The report added that notifications of fines are sent directly to motorists through the Penang Smart Parking app, which remains the only platform for parking payments at council-managed lots.

"This isn't just a tech upgrade. It is (a shift in) how we manage urban parking with smart enforcement, full d...