KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 — The Safe City Programme (PBS), aiming to create a safer and more peaceful community, has achieved its target of having ‘black spots’ ‘whitened’ from 2018 to 2022, according to the Auditor General’s Report 2022.
It revealed that between 2018 and 2022 (except for 2021, because there was no allocation for PBS due to Covid-19), 109 areas under the jurisdiction of 45 local authorities had been ‘whitened’.
“From 2018 to 2020, 81 areas, or 135 per cent, have been ‘whitened’, surpassing the target of 60 areas. In 2022, a total of 24 local authorities, or 120 per cent, were approved, exceeding the target of 20 local authorities,” said the report, tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today.
However, it added the programme was unable to help reduce crime in black spots optimally.
Weaknesses in the management aspect of the programme must be addressed to ensure an optimal reduction in crime rates in black spots.
To ensure the identified weaknesses are addressed, the audit recommends the Local Government Development Ministry (KPKT) ensure the physical project elements are appropriate for implementation by the local authorities so the programme can benefit the public and avoid losses.
It also recommended the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) ensure the optimal utilisation of the Safe City Monitoring System (SPBS) after it is upgraded to ensure value for money in government spending.
“In the future, KPKT should also ensure using high-resolution closed-circuit television (CCTV) by PDRM and the local authorities to detect criminals more effectively.
“KPKT should focus on the maintenance aspect of the physical project elements implemented by the local authorities by specifying practical maintenance methods that will allow people to benefit from the programme in the long run,” according to the report.
— Bernama
