Electronic system in place for billboard applications

MBPJ’s smart system offers companies, consultants convenience

AN electronic system for companies to submit applications for billboards has been introduced by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the MBPJ Smart Billboard system was a platform to get information and for two-way communication between MBPJ and companies.

“The application registration will use the ‘single sign on’ concept where applicants only need to fill and upload information once.

“This smart system was also developed with the aim to make it easy for advertising companies or their consultants to submit online applications, which replaced the manual system used previously.

“This system was being developed in phases and will be further expanded with various functions over time,” he said during the launch.

Prior to the launch, representatives from about 40 companies and consultants attended a workshop by the city council about the system.

This included how to upload applications for digital outdoor billboards, making payments and checking on the status of applications.

Mohamad Zahri said the system was developed based on a web and geographical information system, in line with the latest needs of users.

“The data obtained in this system will in the future help MBPJ to analyse and predict the needs of the industry,” he said, adding the system would be used from March 25.

Also present was councillor and MBPJ outdoor advertisement management sub-committee chairman Suriase Gengiah.

He said the city council had guidelines to address issues like digital billboards being too bright and distracting for motorist.

Suriase said scheduled monitoring would be carried out and companies would immediately be informed as well as warned if billboards flouted guidelines.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Zahri said outdoor advertising displays were important not only for companies but as an effective communication medium for the government.

But he acknowledged these billboards must not affect the safety of road users or the aesthetics of the city.