Beware hidden cameras: Michael Chong

KUALA LUMPUR: Perverts are now installing hidden cameras in places where a potential victim would least suspect to indulge in their voyeuristic fetishes.
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department chief Datuk Seri Michael Chong said such gadgets can be installed within a light bulb or a key chain but with technological advancements, a spy camera can even be installed within a clothes hanger.
"I strongly feel that there is a great urgency for everyone to enhance their awareness over this mini gadget because once you fall victim to it, then you would be forced to go through endless torture," he said during a press conference today.
Chong said hidden cameras are easy to obtain in Malaysia at relatively cheap prices.
He said a total of seven cases were reported to the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department since 2015.
"In the latest case, a group of university students who were on a study-break trip in Gombak lodged a police report after they realised a hidden camera with a micro memory card was installed in a hanger at their homestay.
"The incident took place on Wesak Day eve, after one of the girls from the group found a camera hidden in the hanger attached to the toilet wall.
"The victim realised this after the hanger detached from the wall and broke," he added.
Chong advised women to be on their guard especially in places where they would be alone as they would not know who could be watching them.
He also lamented the light sentences given to Peeping Toms who were caught and said that a more severe punishment could act as a deterrent.
"The perpetrators get off too easily and so they are not afraid," he said.
He also cautioned employers to keep an eye on their employees as any invasion of privacy would ultimately be their responsibility.
Chong also urged people to employ some simple tips to check whether there is a hidden camera in a room.
"One of it is by switching off all the lights in the room and to look for a small dot of red or green light that blinks, which could indicate the presence of a camera.
"Another way is by using a hidden camera detector which is easy to carry around as the device would emit a sound when it detects a hidden camera in the vicinity," he said.