Govt approves RM73mil to install CCTVs in all police lockups

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will allocate RM73mil to install CCTV cameras in all police lockups nationwide, says Law Minister Datuk Seri Liew Vui Keong.

He said he hoped the work can be completed by the year-end.

"Works are underway to complete them as soon as possible," he revealed after a visit to the General Operations Force barracks in Cheras on Friday (Sept 20).

He added that the government had also allocated RM100mil to refurbish around 210 lifts in all police buildings.

"The letter of award should be given to the contractor by the end of the month," he said.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador, who was also present during the working visit, welcomed the news.

"The CCTV would help tremendously in preventing slander against the police force," the IGP said.

"A lot of the deaths in lockup occur because of health issue. For example when drug addicts, some with HIV even, die in lockup but my men have been accused of beating them.

"So with these CCTVs I feel more at ease," he added.

Regarding the lift refurbishments, Abdul Hamid said works were not scheduled to start this year but they were pushed forward after intervention from the ministry, as well as from the Prime Minister.

"The moment the contractor is awarded (the contract), work will begin. No need to wait for next year. We can't wait because my men have been suffering!" the IGP said.

On a related matter, the IGP said he strongly approved of the use of body cameras by the police.

"I welcome it wholeheartedly. We have been asking for equipment upgrades to help the police perform more efficiently.

"The use of bodycam can help prevent slander and accusations against my men, and also, when combined with the new CCTVs, will prevent dereliction of duty.

"If we get the allocation, I wish for my men to be equipped immediately," he said.

Regarding a recent video allegedly linking Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy to terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the IGP said the footage that had been shared online recently came from an old video.

"This is an old issue and it has been raised with the ministry. A decision will be made soon because the act, if proven true, of glorifying a terrorist group, should not occur in this country.

"I will take the appropriate action and there are more cases besides this viral video.

"As I have said before, there will be no more warnings and my side will take immediate action on all who touch on racial and religious tension, as well as all who smear the royal institution.

"Be assured that the police will act fairly in this matter," he said.