Safety boost in Iskandar with modern policing

JOHOR BARU - The Iskandar Malaysia development corridor near here will be the first to have a taste of modern policing to bring greater peace of mind.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the implementation of the modern policing would come at a cost of billions of ringgit.

It will see more aggressive recruitment of police personnel, use of high-tech equipment such as high-definition closed-circuit television cameras and the setting of more police beat bases, police stations and police headquarters.

Ahmad Zahid said Iskandar Malaysia was chosen because of its high foreign direct investment.

He said all the analogue cameras at crime hot spots would be replaced by digital cameras.

"This also protects policemen who are often accused of being rough towards suspects. A clear footage could be produced in court to prove whether the policemen were guilty of the act.

"We will also increase police presence by building more police beat bases and police stations in districts," he said at the Seri Alam district police headquarters here yesterday.

Present was Johor police chief Datuk Mokhtar Shariff.

Ahmad Zahid assured the public that their safety would not be compromised.

"I am aware that the crime index in Johor dipped 10 per cent from last year, but people do not care about the crime index. The important thing is that the locals and investors living here must feel safe," he said.

Asked when the modern policing would be implemented, Ahmad Zahid said he would like to start it immediately if he could.

"These things take time. It will be carried out progressively, starting with Iskandar Malaysia, and developed in stages nationwide."

Ahmad Zahid later visited HID Global Sdn Bhd, which will be providing the security solutions for the modern policing system, at the i-Park Industrial Area in Bandar Indahpura, Kulaijaya.