Zahid: Govt mulling auto tracking CCTVs to combat crime

KUALA LUMPUR: A modern, auto tracking high-definition closed-circuit television (CCTV) system may see criminal cases solved in 15 hours rather than 15 days, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid said the system, set to be installed in about 200 crime hotspots nationwide within the next two years, is among a number of measures taken by the government in its bid to digitalise assets and operations of the police in combating crime in the country through modern policing.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said a two-month feasibility study (or proof of concept - POC) has been conducted by the police, and that the government would assess the efficiency report before submitting it to the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu).
"Pemandu will then look at the technology utilisation and financial package required for the implementation of the system.
"Following that, implementation of the system will begin, within a period of 24 months," he told a press conference after giving a keynote address at the Huawei Asia-Pacific Innovation Day 2017.
He said the 200 hotspots that have been identified by the police are those with high and frequent crime rate, spots with high drug problems and cases, and locations with high road accidents.
On how the advance auto-tracking CCTVs would help combat crime, Ahmad Zahid said: "The current CCTVs we have are still, it can't track movement. With the new system, the cameras will be able to track.
"So what it can do is help us nab criminals in a shorter time, let's say 15 hours instead of 15 days," he said.
Ahmad Zahid added the public perception of the crime rate was not reflective of the 47% reduction in the country's crime index rate.
"Even without installing these advanced CCTVs, we managed to reduce the crime rate. Imagine what the police can do after this?" he said.
Earlier in his keynote address, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia's National Research and Development Centre for ICT (Mimos) is working closely with Huawei to develop an advanced video and facial analysis system.
At the event, Ahmad Zahid also witnessed the signing and exchanging of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Huawei and the Terengganu state government, as well as three other MoU signings.
Huawei was represented by Huawei Malaysia CEO Abraham Liu Kang and Terengganu by its State Secretary Datuk Wan Nawawi Wan Ismail.
Among others present were Second International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman.