Give tax breaks to those who install CCTVs, says DAP rep

A Penang assemblyman says the installation of CCTVs by businesses and home owners will help to combat crime in the state. (AFP pic)

GEORGE TOWN: A Penang DAP assemblyman has called for cuts in assessment rates for those who install “enough” surveillance cameras in their houses and businesses, as part of a crowdsourced effort to help police combat crime.

Heng Lee Lee (DAP-Berapit) said a reduction could be given to those who installed closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) which could give good picture quality and who had an adequate number of cameras in their homes or shops.

She said the assessment rate cuts could be made once in every five years to reward those who had spent a “fair bit” to install CCTV units and to encourage more people to install them.

Heng said in return, such cameras would help police identify criminals and deter crime in the long run.

“While there are nearly 1,000 cameras already installed by the Penang government, the additional cameras from the public may help deter crime.

“With the government’s limited finances, I believe the state should cooperate with the public to increase our surveillance coverage and make them our safety partner,” she said during the debate on the Supply Bill 2019 at the state assembly today.

Heng said while the Penang government had intensified efforts to place more CCTV cameras in the state, the cost factor was an issue.

She said by crowdsourcing cameras from the public, more areas could be covered to ensure general safety.

Heng said Seberang Perai currently had the least number of public surveillance cameras, at 130 units compared with 917 units on the island.

She said the state would be spending RM2.5 million to install another 30 units on the mainland.

On another matter, Heng urged the Penang government to ensure all future developments provide parking spaces for expectant mothers.

She said in Taiwan, 2% of parking lots had been designated for expectant mothers as part of the republic’s policy and it applies to shopping complexes, hospitals, airports and government departments.

Heng said the Seberang Perai Municipal Council started a pilot project in May last year with 12 parking lots marked for pregnant women and these were located closer to payment counters. - FMT