Zahid: 20,000 CCTVs Needed In KL To Monitor Crime & Traffic

In order to efficiently monitor crime and traffic congestion across the nation's capital, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) needs a minimum of 20,000 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. There are 5,000 CCTV units in the city as of now, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister made it clear that DBKL was not the only party who had to deploy these cameras. Rather, cooperation with other ministries, departments, and agencies is required, especially the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), which plans to implement 20,000 CCTV units by the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

Dr. Zahid made these remarks following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion (JKMKKJR), which was also attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh.

He highlighted that this initiative is a step towards modern policing, potentially reducing the need for a heavy presence of uniformed officers in the city. The CCTV systems will also feature facial recognition functions to help reduce crime rates and accidents and manage other monitoring issues without infringing on personal rights.

Regarding traffic congestion in Johor Bahru, considering the Rapid Transit System (RTS) project connecting Bukit Chagar to Woodlands in Singapore is scheduled for completion in 2027, Dr. Zahid mentioned that immediate studies must be conducted to alleviate traffic congestion. Steps are being coordinated by the state government, ministries, and national agencies. The federal government is proposing that these measures be implemented before the RTS dispersal plan is finalised.

A suggestion to impose a 30 km/h speed limit from the current 40 km/h in school zones was also considered at the meeting, given that there are typically 67 fatalities in these regions annually. Additionally, local authorities (PBT) and schools should work together to construct speed bumps without needing extra financing from the ministry.