Efficacy of CCTVs come under scrutiny

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THE presence of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in certain areas is to deter crime from happening.

According to Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) president Datuk Adnan Md Ikshan some people had the misconception that CCTVs would help to prevent crime.

Traumatised: Mak showing his injuries to (from left) Thong Kim Fatt, Evnne Lee, and Teo.

He said that the role of CCTVs was to record real-time criminal activities to aid police in their investigations later on.

The MPSJ installed the CCTVs in mid-2007 with 90 sets installed at fixed locations while 10 are on mobile units used in different locations according to needs.

However, questions have been raised with regard to their efficacy.

Robbery victim Mak Moon Loy, 71, of Seri Kembangan was at the DAP service centre recently to recount his ordeal.

The elderly man was attacked by two youths on a motorcycle who threatened him with a parang before relieving him of his wallet containing a couple of ringgit and his MyKad.

Mak said he was outside his house in Pekan Seri Kembangan where CCTVs were installed, when the youths cornered him.

“When I tried to put up a fight, the pillion rider slashed my left thigh with the parang.

“I pleaded with them to return the MyKad but they sped off,’’ said Mak, who needed several stitches.

Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching said she would help Mak to make a police report and discuss with the police on ways to tighten security in Seri Kembangan.

“The area, especially the market place and the town centre is always crowded with people.

“There are many senior citizens in Seri Kembangan and therefore they are easy victims,’’ said Teo.

She said there was also a need to increase the CCTV coverage in the area.