Cover image via MyTaman's Youtube videoSafety and security have always been a major concern for homeowners in Malaysia. According to an external report by Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), petty crimes like snatch theft and break-ins are on the rise.
With that concern in mind, a local app called MyTaman is on a mission to secure neighbourhoods in times of trouble with the help of technology
Image via Red Tone
Derived from the Malay word "taman", which means neighbourhood, the app was founded by Benjamin Lim, who had the idea when one of his neighbours wanted to install an alarm security system
Image via innov8security
Benjamin realised how ineffective alarm systems were, considering that they only could alarm neighbours in close proximity. He also wondered how a neighbourhood could utilise the guards more effectively. Before long, Benjamin and his friend Eric started brainstorming to come out with the idea of MyTaman. The first prototype was tested in Benjamin's neighbourhood.
So instead of relying on alarm systems, the MyTaman app features a Guard button where users can press every time they are in distress. The button will alert the guards and three Trusted Taman Neighbours (TTN) from the same neighbourhood.
The user's house number will be shown in an LED Screen at the guardhouse while a loud siren goes off. TTNs are three neighbours which the user can assign for extra safety and accountability whenever an incident happens.
Image via MyTaman's Youtube video
Users in distress can expect help in no time because of the precise location notified by MyTaman to the guards and TTNs
Image via MyTaman
Aside from that, users can track incoming visitors through the app's Visitor feature
Image via MyTaman's Youtube video
This feature informs the guards on names, estimated date and time of arrival of visitors. Details will also be printed on a printer which is located in the guardhouse. This can help them keep a better track of all the traffic that's flowing in and out of the neighbourhood.
While the app is free to use, users who are interested in implementing this system in the neighbourhood would have to purchase MyTaman's hardware that includes a siren, 3G modem and printer which will be installed in the guardhouse
A one-time installation fee is required for all hardware. After that, users are required to pay an annual subscription fee, a 1-year 3G Data Plan, and for any on-site maintenance services.
Although the app was launched late last year, it already has 3 registered neighbourhoods under its belt with about 300 users
Image via MyTaman
