Penang Will Use CCTVs To Monitor The Public And Alert Those Who Defy SOP Over Speakers

Many of these cameras are equipped with an intelligent video analytics (IVA) system which will allow government officials to monitor various public areas. 

According to Bernama, authorities from Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) will publicly notify those who are seen disregarding SOPs through speakers found around Penang.

Police officials are also prepared to take further action should offenders continue to defy regulations. 

In a press conference, State Housing, Local Government, and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo was reported by Bernama as saying that they would be embracing digital technology to ensure public safety and security.

There are currently 935 CCTV cameras set up on Penang island and 242 on the mainland. Out of these 1,177 cameras, 475 have been upgraded to include facial and vehicle registration number recognition capabilities. 

These cameras were first upgraded to include IVA in January last year as a way to combat crime and facilitate police operations - the first state in Malaysia to use the technology.

According to Malay Mail, MBPP Mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said that the implementation of this initiative would contribute to the state's hopes of becoming a smart city.

Penang government officials are expecting 78 cameras to be upgraded and 88 more cameras to be installed by the end of this year. 

 A report by Buletin Mutiara indicated that the compliance rate was found to be 99.6% on the island and 99% on the mainland. 

This was concluded after checks were performed by local council officials in over 460,000 areas in Penang. 

Although compliance rates have proved satisfactory, Jagdeep was quoted by Buletin Mutiara as saying, "The public must not be too complacent. The fight against COVID-19 is not over."