RM73mil for CCTVs in lock-ups

Ability to monitor cells will put minds at ease, says IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM73mil will be allocated to equip police lock-ups nationwide with closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) by the end of the year, said Datuk Liew Vui Keong.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said efforts were being made to complete the installation as soon as possible.

“I hope the work will be completed by the end of the year.

Besides the CCTVs, the government also allocated RM100mil to refurbish around 210 elevators in all police buildings,” he told reporters after a visit to the General Operations Force headquarters in Cheras yesterday.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador, who was also present during the working visit, said he welcomed the news.

“The CCTVs will help tremendously in preventing slander against the police force.

“A lot of the deaths in lock-ups occur due to health issues.

“For example, when drug addicts – some who are HIV positive – died in lock-ups, my men were accused of beating them.

“So, with these CCTVs, I feel more at ease,” Abdul Hamid said.

On the lift refurbishment, Abdul Hamid said works were not scheduled to start this year, but this was carried out following an intervention from the Home Ministry and the Prime Minister.

“The moment the contractor is selected, work will begin. We can’t wait because my men have been suffering, ” the IGP said.

The CCTVs will help tremendously in preventing slander against the police force. A lot of the deaths in lock-ups occur due to health issues.

Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador

On a recent video allegedly linking Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorist group, the country’s top cop said the footage shared came from an old video.

“This is an old issue and it has been raised to the ministry.

“A decision will be made soon because if proven true, glorifying a terror group should not happen in this country.

“I will take the appropriate action and there are more cases besides this viral video.

“As I have said before, there will be no more warnings and my side will take immediate action on all who touch on racial and religious sensitivities as well as smears on the royal institution.

“Trust the police to act fairly in this matter,” he said.