Even before launch, DBKL's traffic app encounters MACC roadblock

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) traffic mobile application (app) “eDrive” has become the subject of a complaint even before it is launched.

DAP Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng today urged the MACC to look into why RM2.9 million of taxpayers' money was used to develop the app.

“The app only gives you traffic information but it does not navigate you through traffic, unlike other apps like Waze and Google Maps, which are free.

“And yet DBKL spent almost a year and RM2.9 million for this app. I ask MACC to investigate if there is corruption involved,” he told reporters outside the MACC office in Kuala Lumpur today.

Lim had obtained the figure from a StarMetro report dated July 10, which quoted a DBKL civil engineering and urban transport department spokesperson. The spokesperson was not named.

eDrive, a “journey-planning” app, provides real-time traffic images from 40 cameras stationed in limited areas of the city including Jalan Mahameru, Jalan Syed Putra and the KL-Seremban highway. All information is linked to the existing Integrated Transportation Management System (Itis).

Though still in the testing stages, it is available for download on the Google Playstore and the Apple App store.  

Together with Lim was Selayang City Council (MPS) councillor Yew Jia Haur, who compared eDrive with MPS’ own app - Aduan MPS.

“We spent RM27,000 two years ago to develop an app for the public to lodge complaints and it had a Global Positioning System (GPS) locator. We used RM15,000 for the Android version and RM12,000 for the iOS version, including maintenance fees.

“The system is linked to the Selangor state government's complaints system. We took close to six months to develop it, with a warranty period of one year,” Yew said.

When contacted, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz confirmed the RM2.9 million price tag but said he was “not worried” about the MACC report.

“We will give whatever information (needed) to the MACC,” Mohd Amin said.

Aside from traffic images and information, DBKL’s app is built with a Parking Guidance Information System (PGIS) that informs users on the number of available parking spots in 14 shopping centres in the city, including at Suria KLCC, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Low Yat Plaza and Maju Junction.

Users are also able to alert DBKL about below par road conditions, faulty traffic lights, accidents or floods by making a report through the eDrive app.

Why do we still need Itis?

It was also reported that DBKL would spend an additional RM198 million on Itis over the next six years to rent and maintain the 40 cameras and PGIS CCTVs used for the app. Telekom Malaysia Bhd subsidiary VADS Lyfe was awarded the contract.

Since Itis began in 2002, RM565 million has been spent on it.

“It is well known that Itis is a money-for-nothing project, the taxpayers get nothing from it.

“I want MACC to investigate which DBKL officer or minister awarded the contract to Itis in 2002. Was there an open tender? Was it was awarded above the market rate?” Lim asked.

The DAP lawmaker said he was raising these issues in view of how MACC arrested former Felda chairperson Isa Samad last week for the purchase of two hotels at inflated prices.

However, Mohd Amin contended that Itis was worth the money.

“Better for him (Lim) to have a (proper) look at Itis. It is a project for which ambassadors from other countries have given us a thumbs up for,” the city mayor told Malaysiakini.

Itis monitors traffic flow and incidents in the city by collecting data from CCTVs placed along all main roads in Kuala Lumpur. The data is then sent to a Traffic Management Centre to be used to update congestion and incident maps in real time. The maps are currently accessible to the public on the Itis portal.

Traffic updates are also available from Itis’ Twitter account, Facebook page, through its call centre and on electronic boards across the city. - Mkini