BEIJING: Malaysia is looking at expanding the use of high-definition CCTV cameras with facial recognition technology to crack down on crime, taking a leaf from China's high-tech policing system, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said China had deployed high-definition closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras equipped with facial recognition technology, particularly in crime hotspots, with cameras installed at intervals of about 50m.
“These are lessons I have learnt and will share with my Cabinet colleagues on how technology can strengthen our crime prevention capabilities and protect our country against external threats,” he told reporters here on Wednesday (Oct 14).
Ahmad Zahid was speaking after a bilateral meeting with China’s State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, during which they discussed security cooperation and efforts to combat transnational crime.
He said Malaysia could consider expanding its own modern policing system, particularly in crime hotspots and tourist areas, although budget constraints could limit its implementation nationwide.
Malaysia had implemented a similar approach in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, when he was Home Minister, as part of a pilot project, he said.
The initiative had contributed to a lower crime rate in the area, he added.
The system had also been used in tourist hotspots such as Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, where snatch thefts had become less prevalent, he said.
He said the system enabled authorities to identify suspects and make arrests within three and a half minutes.
“Perhaps in the future, if we have greater financial resources, we could expand modern policing further, prioritising areas with high crime rates rather than implementing it across every district police headquarters,” he said.
In a separate statement, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia and China had agreed to step up intelligence sharing, strengthen enforcement capabilities and expand joint efforts against criminal networks operating across national borders.
He said the meeting reflected both countries’ commitment to addressing increasingly complex security threats, particularly transnational crime, drug trafficking and telecommunications and cyber fraud.
Malaysia had also proposed establishing a Joint Working Group between local police and Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department and China’s drug enforcement authorities.
“The proposal received a positive response and will serve as a foundation for strengthening investigative coordination, intelligence exchange and joint training in a more systematic manner,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said bilateral law enforcement cooperation had already yielded results, citing the seizure of more than 1.03 tonnes of fentanyl citrate in August 2025 under Operations Black Ash and Blackwood.
The operation was aided by intelligence sharing between the police and China’s National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC), he said.
“This success demonstrates that when intelligence is shared, operations are coordinated and enforcement agencies work together, international criminal networks can be dismantled more effectively,” he said.
Both sides also agreed to strengthen operational cooperation against telecommunications and cyber fraud, particularly through information sharing, coordinated investigations and improved technical expertise to tackle increasingly sophisticated criminal syndicates.
Malaysia’s participation in the International Alliance Combating Telecom and Cyber Fraud would provide further opportunities to coordinate enforcement efforts with China and other countries, he added.
