By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Feb 24 — Local authorities have welcomed the idea to have its enforcement officers equipped with body-worn cameras while on duty but had asked the Selangor government to look into the additional costing that would be incurred.
Kuala Selangor District Council president Rahilah Rahmat had commended the suggestion as it would protect enforcement officers on duty during any unforeseen circumstances.
“The allegations of misconduct by enforcement officers while on duty are taken seriously and we are ready to act on public complaints.
“However, the use of body-worn camera would involve additional cost and this has to be taken into consideration before it is implemented,” she told SelangorKini when contacted yesterday.
Shah Alam City Council head of corporate and public relations, Shahrin Ahmad, said the proposed body-worn camera would assist its officers on field duty.
“We often remind our staff, especially those who work on the ground, to have integrity and to be trustworthy, calm, and cautious while engaging the public,” he said.
On February 15, the Selangor government was mulling the need for the enforcement officers of local authorities to be equipped with surveillance cameras while on duty.
The state Local Government, Public Transportation and New Village Development Committee chairman Ng Sze Han said the proposed move was to ensure public safety, monitor enforcement action, as well as to prevent wrongful allegations of misconduct.
Suggesting it would be implemented in three months time, Ng said it would depend on the needs and budget of the local authorities.
