Over 100 Kuala Lumpur City Hall officers will soon be wearing body cameras in a bid to prevent bribery and threats. The footage recorded will also be key in resolving disputes which may occur during enforcement action.
BODY cameras will soon become part of the uniform for about 105 Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) enforcement officers next month in a bid to combat crime and graft.
With the use of the body cameras, DBKL hopes to protect its reputation, integrity and image from accusations of bribery and threats of abuse.
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The camera is usually worn by enforcement officers to record interactions between officers and the public.
It is equipped with audio and video functions that can be used as evidence in court.
Enforcement officers’ actions caught on film can be produced as evidence in court. — Filepic
With this move, DBKL joins Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Subang Jaya City Council (MPSJ) whose officers have been using the body camera.
Last month, the Health Ministry introduced the use of body cameras for its enforcement officers to ensure their safety and uphold transparency while on duty.
DBKL (socio-economic development) executive director Datuk Azmi Abdul Hamid said enforcement officers would start using body cameras next month as part of their standard operating procedure.
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Body cameras can help improve transparency when public servants carry out their duties.
“We will see how effective it is in combating crime and graft and its role as the neutral third eye in disputes between the public and our officers.
“This will also help to ensure the safety of our officers who are at risk when carrying out their duties,’’ he added.
In 2020, then mayor Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan said he wanted to enhance integrity and prevent abuse of power among his officers.
In a trial project, five DBKL officers were equipped with cameras to test out the effectiveness.
Azmi: Use of body cameras will be part of DBKL’s standard operating procedure.
However the programme was aborted with no reason given for the decision.
DBKL has come under scrutiny after several of its officers from the Enforcement Department were investigated for allegedly soliciting bribes from traders selling mandarin oranges in the city.
The matter came to light after an audio recording circulated online claimed that its enforcement officers demanded bribes from traders who had breached licensing regulations.
Traders claimed that payoffs for licensing breaches were a normal occurrence especially during festive seasons.
Alliance for Safe Community (Ikatan) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye agreed that it was time for enforcement officers to be equipped with cameras for the sake of transparency.
“This is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for a government that is free of corruption, including by plugging loopholes,” he added.
Lee: Body cameras will help ensure transparency and plug loopholes.
Crime Prevention Foundation member SKK Naidu said the body camera initiative was a welcome move and should be introduced for frontline staff in government agencies, including those offering counter services.
Naidu added that videos recording disputes between the public and enforcement officers were often one-sided.
“The camera will help monitor the actions of enforcement officers, ensuring public safety and preventing abuse of power,’’ he added.
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng had on several occasions raised in Parliament the need for police to have body cameras to ensure transparency.
Lim had raised in Parliament the need for police to wear body cameras.
“I think it is timely that local authorities use the device to prevent misconduct among enforcement officers,’’ he said.
He added that the government recently approved a RM30mil allocation to procure body camera for policemen on duty.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, however, is sceptical of the ability of body camera recordings to prevent misconduct.
“If people want to bribe, there are many ways to do so.
DBKL enforcement officers often get shouted at and are accused of being cruel when they enforce the law.
“Corruption happens from top-down and has been going on for years,” she said, in suggesting a structural change in agencies like DBKL.
A senior DBKL enforcement officer said his officers were often targeted by the public while carrying out their duties.
“There are always two sides to a story and people often see the view of the one who is taking the video.
“We have had to deal with both physical and mental abuse and this can affect our officers psychologically,’’ he added.
