Caught on camera: Body cameras are being implemented on MBPP enforcement officers to record video and audio non-stop while they are on duty. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Bodycams provided to 65 city council officers in Penang while on duty
GEORGE TOWN: There can be no fooling around when facing city council enforcers on the island as they are now wearing bodycams.
Sixty-five enforcers – traffic wardens, vehicle clamp-and-tow unit members and the special force team members – now wear these cameras on their chests that record video and audio non-stop while they are on duty.
The enforcers, too, will have to be at their professional best.
State local government committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the recordings of these devices, which enforcers have been wearing as part of a pilot project since last October, will provide evidence of what happens on the field.
“This is particularly useful for clarifying the circumstances surrounding any enforcement action, allowing both officers and the public to be held accountable,” he said yesterday.
H’ng said Penang Island City Council (MBPP) planned to expand the programme by another 50 units and outfit all enforcement officers with body cams, making it a standard part of their daily gear. Each unit costs RM950.
Enforcers of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Shah Alam City Council, Subang Jaya City Council, Kuala Selangor Municipal Council and Hulu Selangor Municipal Council have been similarly outfitted since 2022.
The Star reported that as of January last year, DBKL has had 100 body cameras and MBPJ, 185.
Aside from protecting enforcers from unfair claims from the public, it was reported that having the cameras also made it impossible for errant enforcers to solicit bribes because they cannot turn the device off.
H’ng said the body cameras will eliminate misunderstandings and address negative perceptions that may arise during confrontations or interactions.
“By having a clear record of events, potential conflicts can be de-escalated or resolved more easily, thus offering protection to both enforcement personnel and the public. The recorded footage will also serve as evidence in investigations or legal proceedings,” he said.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng lauded the initiative and said this measure not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures the rights of the public while protecting the basic personal safety of enforcement officers.
“I am pleased that the traffic wardens have expressed their willingness to wear body cameras. This is also a positive step towards enhancing and streamlining the traffic wardens’ duties,” he added.
