AES will be installed despite opposition - Kong

KUALA LUMPUR -The Transport Ministry will not stop installing Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras in Pakatan Rakyat-led states despite the decision by these states to suspend the implementation of the system.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the ministry would not dismantle the two AES cameras installed in Selangor where they have been declared illegal.

In fact, more such cameras will be installed and the system will be enforced according to the law, he told Oriental Daily News in an interview published today.

As some highways are beyond the jurisdiction of state governments, more AES cameras will appear in Pakatan-governed states.

Everything will be done according to the law, Kong said, adding that if necessary, the ministry will seek the opinion of the Attorney-General's Chambers.

The two AES cameras installed in Selangor are located at Km6.6 of the South Klang Valley Expressway and at Km301.6 on the north-bound side of the North-South Expressway.

He said the two contractors appointed to install AES cameras were duty-bound to apply for permits from the relevant local authorities to carry out their work but it was up to the ministry to determine the locations for the cameras.

He said the Pakatan-led states' decision to reject AES was politically motivated and irresponsible by ignoring the safety of the people.

Asked if the AES contractors would be compensated if they were not allowed to install cameras at designated areas due to the state government's decision, the minister said the contractors had been given 18 months to complete their installation work.

"Penang has yet to be installed with AES cameras, they (the contractors) have 18 months to install them as agreed in the contract."

So far, the contractors have only started to install AES cameras in Selangor, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

Kong said no new decision has been made regarding AES at last week's cabinet meeting.

Asked if he was worried about AES being turned into an issue to attack him in the next general election, Kong said: "The project was mooted in 2004 and tenders were invited in 2006 (before Kong was appointed the transport minister). The public must understand that it is not my project, it is a national project."

-thesundaily