Penang police to patrol busy streets with e-bikes

Pedal power: Policemen using the new electronic bicycles to patrol the streets in George Town.

GEORGE TOWN: Touted as a first in the country, Penang police will now patrol busy streets and tourist spots using cool electric bicycles.

Each e-bike, costing RM3,680, can last up to 50km with a speed of 25kph before it needs to be recharged for four hours.

It can be switched back and forth from electric to manual mode by just pedalling.

Penang police chief Comm Datuk Wira Chuah Ghee Lye said they received seven e-bikes worth RM25,760 from three private companies as part of their corporate social responsibility.

He said three such bicycles would be placed at the state police headquarters, while the Batu Ferringhi and Queensbay police stations will have two each.

“The e-bikes can help us monitor popular tourist areas and busy roads with ease compared to bigger motorised vehicles.

“It will improve our response time in crowded areas and expand our patrolling areas.

“Our first aim is to carry out stop-and-talk sessions with the people.

“The e-bikes will stand out in public,” he said during a handing over ceremony at the state police headquarters yesterday.

Comm Chuah said the pilot effort was a private initiative, adding that they would study the impact for a month before submitting feedback to Bukit Aman.

“The Federal Government did not fund the project. It is a corporate social responsibility by companies which want to help prevent crime.

“If we find it has a positive impact compared to manual bicycles, we will suggest to the Federal Government to implement it for the police force throughout the country.

“The Penang Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department will monitor the outcome.

“They will send a monthly assessment report to Bukit Aman,” he said.

Comm Chuah said the project was also in line with the force’s two policies – trim and fit for policemen as well as the “Go Green” initiative with less carbon emissions.

“We encourage our men to stay healthy. With e-bikes, they can pedal manually and switch to the e-bike mode when needed, especially when going uphill,” he said.