By Khairul Azran Hussin
SHAH ALAM, Sept 30 — The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) has bought 45 units of body-worn cameras to overcome issues concerning provocations (intimidations) and allegations between its enforcement officers on duty and the public.
Its mayor Datuk Haris Kasim said aside from recording the incidents, the equipment could also transmit live video of operations to the command centre, which can also be used as evidence in the event of unforeseen circumstances taking place.
“Each bodycam costs RM1,000 and we are considering adding more. Currently, a member of the enforcement team will be wearing it while on duty.
“Usage of this device gives justice to both sides, either when the officers face accusations while on duty or when a civilian becomes the victim of abuse of power,” said Haris during a press conference after tabling the MBSA 2021 Budget themed pioneering the New Norm for a Better Shah Alam, at Wisma MBSA, here yesterday.
On June 22, the Selangor Local Government, Public Transportation and New Village Development Committee chairman Ng Sze Han gave local authorities until the end of the year to equip their enforcement officers with bodycams to improve efficiency and integrity.
On February 6, a woman was alleged to have beaten an MBSA enforcer after her car was towed away in an incident that took place at Seksyen U20 in Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh, whilst a week after that, a viral video showed a Subang Jaya Municipal Council enforcement officer wrestling a senior citizen to the ground after the former was struck with an umbrella in another car-towing incident.
