18 September 2012 | last updated at 11:50PM
City folk hope fund will reduce crime rate
By V. SHUMAN | [email protected]
JOINT EFFORTS: RM4m 1Federal Territory Security Fund to install CCTV cameras
The 1Federal Territory Security Fund will be used to pay for the installation of closed-circuit television cameras (inset) as well as other programmes to fight crime.
KUALA LUMPUR: THE 1Federal Territory Security Fund, which will pay for the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras as well as other activities to fight crime, received the nod from various parties yesterday.
Social activist and Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye lauded the establishment of the fund, but said it should also focus on addressing the root problems that cause crime.
"For example, there are many flats in the city that are filled with drug pushers and addicts, who commit crime to feed their habits. "More closed-circuit television cameras and better lighting should be installed in such places."
Lee said the fund, to be launched next month, should not focus only on affluent neighbourhoods, but also areas where low-income earners live.
"The low-income group is equally entitled to good security." According to Lee, MCPF had yet to receive an invitation from the Federal Territory and Urban Wellbeing Ministry to help with the setting up of the fund.
"We have many staff and volunteers who are more than ready to help out by educating the public on crime prevention tips." Bukit Damansara Residents Association president Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman said most crimes were committed by drug addicts or foreigners. "Steps should be taken to address this menace at the root."
Aziz said concerted efforts by the government and all Malaysians were needed to identify and tackle the problem. Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association president Mumtaz Ali said residents should play a part in ensuring safety and security in their neighbourhoods.
"I think the fund will be very useful for housing areas to upgrade existing security measures. It decreases the residents' burden in forking out huge amounts of money to employ private security guards," he said. Mumtaz said additional CCTV cameras installed under the fund could be linked to local authorities or the police.
He hoped the fund would be extended to areas beyond the federal territories. It was reported that the fund would be used to help residents install security fences, closed-circuit television cameras, intercom systems, guard posts, streetlights and organise security awareness programmes.
Federal Territory and Urban Wellbeing minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the initial amount for the fund was RM1 million, but the ministry was targeting RM4 million with help from the private sector.
The ratio of allocation for resident associations differs according to the area. For example, projects in a luxury residential area could be allocated up to 50 per cent from the fund while residents would pay the balance. People in low-income areas might only have to fork out 30 per cent.
