Penang To Use Body Cameras In PKM Enforcement

GEORGE TOWN, May 19 (Bernama) -- Local authorities in Penang will utilise body-worn camera footage, as well as video recordings and photographs, as evidence in the enforcement of the Community Service Order (PKM) against offenders involved in minor littering in public areas.

State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye said the said the measure would serve as a more practical and transparent enforcement approach for the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), as the PKM comes into force on July 1.

“To ensure uniform and orderly implementation, the state government, through the Local Government Division of the Penang State Secretary Office, together with MBPP and MBSP, has coordinated guidelines for the implementation of PKM, covering enforcement, monitoring and execution of community service,” he said.

“MBPP currently has 170 units of cameras, while MBSP has 17. We are also in the process of adding more body-worn cameras, each costing RM1,000, in addition to monitoring enforcement through 1,822 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed across the state,” he told a press conference at his office in Komtar here today.

Penang had previously announced that several forms of community service activities had been identified for the implementation of PKM involving individuals caught committing minor littering in public areas, with the measure set to take effect in the state on July 1.

H’ng reportedly said among the activities identified were sweeping, washing, mopping, painting and collecting solid waste at designated public locations such as public roads, public markets, farmers’ markets, morning and night markets, public drains, beaches, bus stops, public toilets, public parks and hawker centres.

He further said individuals found guilty of the offence could be fined up to RM2,000, or ordered to undergo PKM for a maximum of 12 hours to be completed within six months, or both.

H’ng said failure to comply with the court order could result in a fine of not less than RM2,000 and not exceeding RM10,000, as provided for under existing laws.

Meanwhile, he denied claims made on Facebook alleging that the Penang Volunteer Fire Brigade (PBS) had failed to respond during emergencies and had misused public donations, which had tarnished the image and reputation of the state’s volunteer fire service.

“The comments have tarnished the image of the PBS, particularly allegations linking it to money laundering and tax evasion, which could affect its efforts to obtain donations and public contributions,” he said, adding that a police report was also lodged yesterday over the allegations.

--BERNAMA