MALAYSIAN police will soon have their eyes on every building in crime-prone areas.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants the owners or tenants of these buildings to install closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras which will be linked to police control centres.

Expressing concern over the crime situation in the country, he said the move was necessary to combat the rising crime index.

'With CCTVs installed in strategic locations, we believe we can prevent crime and even if someone commits a crime, the police will be able to act fast,' he said.

Mr Badawi wants the directive, which covers major areas like the capital, Selangor, Penang and Johor where crimes are rampant, to be implemented immediately, The Star reported on Wednesday.

He also called on owners of private buildings to ensure the safety of their patrons at all times.

'People are now scared to go out shopping or to night markets or park their cars in basement car parks for fear of becoming victims of crimes,' he said.

'It doesn't matter whether they are the building owners or tenants, they cannot debate the matter. They cannot say that there's no need for CCTVs or give any excuse for not installing them,' he said, adding that action would be taken against owners or tenants who refused to comply.

He said the high crime rate not only caused problems to the people who live in fear of being victims but also uneasiness among foreign investors.

'We must act fast and ensure the safety of the people in towns, kampungs, shopping complexes and restaurants as well as places where tourists and the public congregate,' said Mr Badawi.