TWENTY-ONE closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at Kepong Baru morning market in Kuala Lumpur following several theft and fraud cases there.
The CCTV cameras are affixed on seven lamp posts in the area, with each post having three cameras oriented in different directions to maximise coverage.
They have been installed around Jalan Bangau, Jalan Bangau 1, Lorong Bangau 2 and Jalan Camar.
The cameras are solar-powered and capable of storing footage for up to seven days round the clock.
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said the RM50,000 fund for the cameras was from his parliamentary allocation.
“We hope this will improve the area’s security and deter criminal activities,” he said.
He added that the local market association would have access to the footage.
Kepong Baru Zone C Morning Market Traders Association committee member Liow Fatt Chuan said the area had faced a spate of crime.
“There were several theft cases affecting traders, which led to fights and property damage.
“Some traders and residents from nearby neighbourhoods are also illegally dumping rubbish in the area.
“We hope the CCTV footage can help identify those responsible so that the authorities can take action,” he said.
Despite the CCTV cameras, Mak Kuan Hoh, who is in her 80s, lost RM20,000 after she fell victim to a fraudulent scheme at the market.
Kuala Lumpur Coalition of Kepong Residents Associations chairman Loh Kok Wai said Mak was duped into writing a cheque to the suspect.
“CCTV footage revealed his car licence plate number but he has yet to be caught,” Loh said.
The morning market with some 300 stalls operates from Tuesdays to Sundays.
In 2021, the market underwent a major upgrade involving the surrounding drains. The project, at a cost of RM1.5mil, was by Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
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