Government should confirm whether the directive to building owners to install CCTV or increase security guards presence in their car parks have been fully adhered to
Media Statement by Chong Eng (Kuala Lumpur, Wednesday): In March this year, the government issued a directive to building owners to beef up security in their car parks by installing close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras or increasing security guards presence. According to Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, the ruling was a security preventive measure and all local authorities should implement it immediately to ensure property owners enhance security in their car parks as the safety and of the tenants and the public should be the main priority.
Three months have passed since the announcement was first made and the question is whether the ruling has been implemented by the local authorities. The abduction of 29 year-old Canny Ong from the Bangsar Shopping Complex car park last Friday night has highlighted the urgent need to tighten security at car parks in building lots.
In view of the incident and many other reported incidents of crime such as rape and assault particularly in car parks of building lots, the government should confirm whether the directive to building owners to install CCTV or increase security guards presence in their car parks have been fully adhered to. If not, steps must be taken to ensure that these preventive measures be fully implemented to increase security in the car parks.
This is important as women drivers who are alone in car parks are vulnerable to attacks by would-be assailants. Having CCTV and additional security guards would ensure that car parks are closely monitored thereby preventing or reducing the number of such incidences.
(18/6/2003) * Chong Eng, MP for Bukit Mertajam and DAP Wanita Chairperson |