5,000 CCTV cameras to be operational in KL next year, says FT Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 5,000 multifunction surveillance cameras (CCTV) will be keeping close watch over Kuala Lumpur once they are operational next year, says Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

"It is our intention that all the CCTVs are multifeatured and integrated to make their use more economical.

"But what is more important is that the CCTVs will help us develop Kuala Lumpur into a more safe city," he said in his ministerial winding-up speech in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Aug 5).

The Federal Territories Minister said the move is necessary, as Kuala Lumpur is lagging behind other cities with regards to the ratio of CCTVs.

He added that the cameras would also help improve urban management, while keeping watch on crime in the city.

"For example, there are 56 CCTVs per thousand population in Beijing, London 67:1,000, Singapore 15:1,000 and Bangkok 5:1,000.

"Kuala Lumpur is way behind, with only three cameras per thousand population," he added.

At present, Annuar said existing CCTVs operate in isolation and for very specific purposes such as traffic management, flood control and security.

He cited the example where 1,900 existing CCTVs were for traffic management, 100 at flash flooding hotpots, 270 at public parks, 130 at rivers and 309 for security.

"Besides installing multi-feature cameras, the existing CCTVs will be upgraded or modified for them have artificial intelligence and facial recognition capabilities," he added.

Annuar also said the installation of CCTVs will be made a requirement for future private development projects.