KUCHING: The installation of closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) around India Street, Jalan Courthouse and the Courthouse Connector here will guarantee security and safety for the public at large.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs and Kuching North City Commission [DBKU]), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said the RM175,000 pilot project was initiated by the state government through Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) in collaboration with India Street Pedestrian Mall Committee.
It is also in line with the digital economy policy and move towards a smart city.
“The CCTVs will guarantee the safety of the public and traders in the areas,” he said after launching the installation of the CCTVs for India Street, Jalan Courthouse and the Courthouse Connector at Waterfront Hotel here today.
A total of 26 cameras will be installed in various locations around the three areas to act as policing tools to deter criminal activities and to aid law enforcement efficiency.
Initially monitored by the Plaza Merdeka management, the CCTV network will also be linked by SMA to the soon-to-be-established Sarawak Integrated Operations Centre (SIOC).
According to SMA general manager Dr Zaidi Razak, the SIOC is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2021 as SMA is currently in the final stage of specification with the consultants.
“This will be followed by financial procurement and tender coming soon,” he said.
He also said at the moment, the CCTVs would be used only for surveillance but as the SIOC developed, artificial intelligence would be used to improve the system in terms of image processing and other advanced technological features.
Also present were Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor and India Street Pedestrian Mall Committee chairman Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) mayor Datuk Junaidi Reduan, SMA deputy chief scientist and deputy chief advisor Prof Dr Al-Khalid Othman, Plaza Merdeka Holding Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Steve Ng Thian Yew and director Datin Anriza Wong Cordero.
