Voluntary patrol schemes may get drones to keep neighbourhoods safe

JOHOR BARU: Plans are afoot to equip Neighbourhood Voluntary Patrol Schemes (SRS) in Johor with drones to enhance safety.

The implementation statewide aims to do away with members using batons and flash lights and instead become high-tech to keep residents and their areas safe.

State unity, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Dr Chong Fat Full said a pilot project involving the use of drones would be carried out in his Pemanis constituency.

“We have seven SRS groups and I hope to equip each one of them with a drone, ” he said, adding that if the pilot project was successful, it would be expanded statewide.

Dr Chong said the idea came about when he was carrying out night patrol with some SRS members in his constituency.

“At night, when patrolling past people’s homes, the dogs bark and this is a nuisance to residents.

“With drones, which are equipped with infrared and high-resolution cameras, SRS can conduct patrols during the day and night.

“In fact, these will be useful during floods or storms.

“We can use them to inspect the damage done instead of having to climb roofs to check like we did in the past, ” he said, adding that going high-tech would enable them to patrol larger areas.

Dr Chong said each drone would cost between RM1,500 and RM2,000.

On the matter of promoting unity among the younger generation, he said the state government planned to get schools to put up murals depicting this vital aspect.

“We want to target schools first. Then we may want to have such murals in strategic places statewide, ” he explained.

He pointed out that the murals in public places would also help attract tourist.

He said talks on creating special unity walkways to showcase the country’s history and diverse culture as well as having a Malaysia – Singapore unity run were underway.

However, he said the projects were subject to approval and availability of funds.

“The various races here have a rich heritage that we should be proud of and show off, and the run will strengthen ties between both countries, ” he said.