JOHOR Baru City Council’s (MBJB) decision to make it mandatory for businesses to have closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras is a good and timely move, groups say.
It was recently reported that MBJB had made it mandatory for ground-floor commercial premises within it jurisdiction to instal at least three CCTV cameras per business unit.
Ravindran says most businesses will have installed CCTV cameras before operating.Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Association secretary Hussein Ibrahim said some businesses, especially those running restaurants, opted to instal CCTV cameras not only for safety, but also to avoid misunderstandings.
“There have been instances in the past where customers have made allegations or complaints about our employees or food hygiene.
“The CCTV cameras allow us to investigate such claims and protect ourselves against any false accusations,” he said.
Hussein added that the majority of the association’s members, especially those in urban areas, had already fulfilled the requirement long before the new ruling was introduced.
“I believe most businesses already have CCTV cameras, and those that have yet to instal them are most likely premises in non-urban areas,” he said.
Johor Indian Petty Traders and Small Business Association chairman D. Ravindran said most businesses already had CCTV cameras in their premises.
“Having CCTV cameras is very common these days, and most business owners would have already installed them before they opened for business,” he said.
“Unlike in the past, we now have a lot of options for CCTV cameras, including affordable ones that can be purchased online.
“So, even those that have yet to instal any CCTV cameras or meet the minimum number required would not find it much of a hassle to do so.”
Hussein: Businesses without CCTV cameras most likely in non-urban areas.
However, Johor Baru Small Businesses Association chairman Tey Tian Hwang said while the move could improve safety measures, making it mandatory might not be the best approach.
“Instead of enforcing it immediately, the authorities should instead encourage businesses to instal CCTV cameras.
“Most businesses would likely do so voluntarily if they are encouraged and can afford it.
“While many businesses already have CCTV systems, there are still some that cannot afford it.
“Even those with CCTV cameras may not necessarily have the minimum number required.”
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the new licensing requirement was to keep the city safe and that MBJB was the first local authority to implement such a rule.
