PETALING JAYA: Shopping mall operators believe that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can help detect weapons and track suspicious activities with high precision, making it a key strategy in strengthening security.
While malls have traditionally relied on the use of CCTV networks, security guards and auxiliary police, many are evaluating the integration of AI to enhance surveillance capabilities.
This follows the recent shooting incident at a mall in Setia Alam.
Sunway Malls chief executive officer HC Chan said security has always been a priority at the group’s shopping centres.
“Recent events have strongly supported our stance in adopting an omnipresence approach,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He said the new AI system, developed through two years of research, boasts a 99% accuracy rate in weapon detection.
According to Chan, Sunway Pyramid will be the first to implement this algorithm, with a phased rollout planned across all of the group’s malls nationwide.
Besides weapon detection, Chan said the company has also developed an AI algorithm capable of identifying loitering during non-operational hours.
“Security will be notified of individuals loitering for more than two minutes within the common and back areas of the mall,” Chan said, highlighting the system’s capability to enhance response times and reduce potential risks.He said the current security infrastructure at Sunway Malls includes qualified auxiliary police officers and comprehensive CCTV surveillance – covering critical areas such as loading bays, service lifts, staircases and corridors.
With AI integration, Chan said these measures are expected to be significantly enhanced, ensuring a safer environment for shoppers and staff members.
Echoing similar views was 1Utama Shopping Centre director Tan Sri Teo Chiang Kok.
“Malls are already equipped with a comprehensive CCTV network, security guards and auxiliary police where available.
“Malls are now evaluating enhancing the CCTV network to incorporate AI learning for more intelligent surveillance, which we believe will be more reliable than adding security guards,” he said.
Teo said there was a need to address any gaps in the current system once the investigation into the shooting incident is complete.
“We hope this is a one-off incident due to a deranged individual acting alone.”
Teo added that he welcomes the government’s initiative of enhancing training for security guards and auxiliary police.
Malaysian Security Industry Association president Datuk Mohammad Ubaidillah Enam also supports the government’s proposal.
“The recommendation by the Home Minister to enhance the competencies of security guards and auxiliary police through improved training is timely,” he said.
He added that while existing training is generally adequate, it is critical to regularly review it to reflect changing security environments.
Mohammad Ubaidillah highlighted the importance of comprehensive security management, including physical security, surveillance systems with video analytics, theft prevention, incident response and risk assessment.
“Current training should place more emphasis on surrounding and environmental awareness to better inform the management of potential risks. Collaboration with premise owners is also vital to enhance security.”
He stressed the importance of modernised training modules and the need for more sophisticated measures in public spaces.
Chico Force Sdn Bhd group adviser Datuk Seri Junior Khoo Gee Chong said the government must enforce stricter regulations on the hiring and training of security guards.
Khoo said the economic downturn has led clients to cut costs by hiring cheaper, untrained guards.
“There should be no compromise when it comes to security. Guards act as the eyes and ears of the police. If we take it lightly, incidents like the recent shooting will keep happening,” he said.
With over 30 years of industry experience, Khoo stressed that both clients and security providers must be held accountable for employing illegal or untrained guards.
“When businesses prioritise cost savings, good security providers who follow the law struggle because clients refuse to pay for properly trained personnel,” he added.
While the Private Agencies Act 1971 permits only Malaysian and Nepali nationals to work as security guards, Khoo claimed some businesses hire unscreened foreign workers.
He urged for firm action against companies franchising security services without proper oversight.
