IT IS now mandatory for ground-floor commercial premises within the purview of the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) to instal no fewer than three closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras for safety.
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said it was a new licensing requirement to keep the city safe.
“Each premises must have at least three units, two installed at the front, covering the five-foot way and one at the rear or back door,” he said while chairing the council’s monthly full board meeting.
Mohd Haffiz said MBJB was the first local authority to implement such a rule and had started notifying business owners.
The mayor said the move was part of MBJB’s efforts to enhance surveillance.
He added that for renewal application, business owners must submit CCTV images with a recent date as proof of compliance despite the licence issued last year, while new applicants must instal CCTV cameras within 90 days of licence approval.
Licence holders are also completely responsible for the installation, maintenance and operation of the CCTV cameras.
“Equipment such as network video recorders (NVRs) and display monitors must be placed within the premises and monitored by the business owner,” said Mohd Haffiz.
However, the council reserves the right to review CCTV recordings, with police cooperation, for enforcement and public safety, he added.
A functional CCTV system can help deter crime, support investigations and reduce security staff in high-risk or vast areas.
Mohd Haffiz said it aligned with the Johor Smart City agenda and goal for a secure urban environment.
