In a bid to address vandalism, the city government of Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) plans to CCTV cameras and surveillance monitors in strategic areas at public housing projects.
Initially, the CCTV cameras will be installed at PPR Batu Muda and PPR Desa Rejang by end-2014, as these two housing projects reported the most number of vandalism, said Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib.
“The CCTVs will be installed inside lifts, at the rubbish dumping site, parking area and secluded spots, among others, while speakers will be installed close to the CCTV areas. The security system monitors will be installed at the DBKL site office and its residents’ association (RA) office.”
“Another security system to monitor the images captured inside the lift will be installed at the ground floor lift lobby for the residents to watch.” DBKL will also place speakers so that the personnel monitoring the areas can warn wrongdoers.
To safeguard these new equipment, DBKL will assign security officers near the elevators from 7pm and 7am every day. In case of emergencies, these personnel will also know basic lift maintenance.
City Hall decided to install these new equipment because it had spent about RM6 million to repair vandalised facilities last year. Nevertheless, the number of complaints regarding vandalism fell to 500 so far this year from 770 in 2012.
However, catching the vandals is quite hard, noted Ahmad Phesal.
In fact, the Housing Management & Community Development department needed to acquire two high-powered surveillance binoculars in order to apprehend the perpetrators.
As for punishment, first-time offenders are required to pay a fine of RM300, while second-time offenders need to vacate their apartment. “Those who are caught for the third time will have their units confiscated and their contract cancelled,” he added.
Farah Wahida, Editor of PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email farahwahida@propertyguru.com.my
