CCTV for 24 black spots – Mayor

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KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) has included Inanam and Luyang in its Black Spot Whitening Initiative this year, said Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir.

He said various measures would be implemented in the two areas along with other previously identified black spots in Kota Kinabalu, to reduce fear of becoming a victim of crime and help prevent crime itself.

This will include installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in strategic locations, namely Giant Kolombong, Nountun Industrial Park, Inanam Night Market, Damai Plaza and Lintas Plaza.

Including these locations, he said 24 strategic spots within DBKK’s jurisdiction would be installed with CCTV this year, mostly in the state capital.

Speaking during a workshop on Black Spot Whitening at Kingfisher here yesterday, Abidin said he expected the same, if not bigger allocation from the Home Ministry for implementing the initiative under the Safe City programme this year.

Last year the ministry gave RM2.375 million under the programme, which had enabled DBKK to implement whitening efforts in the city centre, Sadong Jaya, Sembulan and Tanjung Aru.

“When we talk about black spot, it does not necessarily mean an area with a high crime index. The definition of black spot is an area that could make the people fearful of becoming victims of crime.

“Black spot is an area that is dirty, poorly managed and notorious for unhealthy activities. Therefore, the aim of this whitening programme is not only to help prevent crimes but also reduce the fear of becoming a crime victim among the community,” he said.

Abidin informed that various projects have been implemented under the initiative since 2011, including to improve street lighting, constructing pedestrian walkways, setting up signboards displaying emergency lines for reporting crimes and installing iron bars for locking motorcycles at parking lots.

On the seminar, he said 41 stakeholders comprising various agencies and departments would be discussing various issues related to public safety and identify suitable measures to address them.

“The team will also identify strategic locations for implementing projects under the Safety City programme,” he added.