PETALING JAYA: CCTV cameras have become an essential tool in modern crime prevention as they are the “third eye” in keeping public space safer, says Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation exco member Datuk Muhammad Fuad Talib.
He said surveillance cameras not only help solve crimes but can also prevent offences from happening in the first place.
Describing the CCTV as the “third eye”, Muhammad Fuad said this provides confidence to society while putting off the bad hats.
“CCTV is one of the most important features in creating a safe city through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTEF),” he said, referring to a multidisciplinary system to deter criminal behaviour.
Muhammad Fuad said that AI features such as geo-fencing can also be used to detect intrusions into sensitive areas according to specific needs.
“To achieve maximum effectiveness, CCTV should incorporate AI tools like facial recognition, licence plate recognition and behavioural analysis to enable proactive crime detection through predictive means,” he said.
These systems, he said, must still be monitored and supervised by humans and suggested that all local councils install CCTV in their respective areas.
“I believe most already have them, but improvements or upgrading are needed. At the same time, the government should establish a mechanism or ownership to enforce and coordinate CCTV usage nationwide through a single entity under a National CCTV Policy.”
This policy would outline the legal, ethical and operational framework for deploying surveillance cameras, he added.
“Currently, what we see is that some CCTV cameras are monitored by different agencies, which lacks coordination in management,” he said.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye also supported the implementation of CCTV systems, saying they can be effective in deterring crime.
He called for a wider implementation of surveillance systems across other states.
“Every local authority should allocate funds to install quality CCTV cameras in crime-prone areas. Local authorities should work with the police to identify these locations.
“There must also be a sufficient budget because investing in quality CCTV is an investment in public safety,” he said.
However, Lee pointed out that surveillance cameras are insufficient without proper enforcement.
“CCTV serves as a guide and source of evidence, but the police must still remain vigilant and carry out effective enforcement,” he said.
