Auto-City cameras now linked to the cops

THE 1,000 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in Auto-City, Penang, are now accessible online to the state police contingent headquarters in George Town via the NBOS (National Blue Ocean Strategy)-Safecam partnership.

The food, entertainment and shopping enclave in Juru is the first private concern in the state to collaborate with police to create a CCTV network in an initiative to combat crime.

Golden Highway Auto-City Sdn Bhd managing director Gary Teoh Kiang Hong said there were more than 10,000 visitors to Auto-City and the onus fell on the management to ensure the safety of its patrons.

The system went online after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Teoh, Penang police chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Abdul Rahim Hanafi and central Seberang Prai OCPD Asst Comm Rusli Mohd Noor in Auto-City recently.

“Efforts to maintain peace and harmony would be difficult if the police alone are to bear the responsibility.

“I hope more companies and private establishments can come forward and take part in this programme to collaborate with the police in our mission to fight crime,” SDCP Abdul Rahim said.

He added that the NBOS-Safecam partnership was to create a database by obtaining footages from the CCTVs concerned to keep tabs on criminal activities.

For public places, SDCP Abdul Rahim said the number of CCTV cameras would be increased from 312 to 408 by the state government and Federal Government.