Press Statement by Lim Guan Eng in Penang on Tuesday, 23^rd September 2008: 

Federal Government should speed up the installation of 48 CCTVs in Penang to help the police to prevent crime   

The Penang Chief Minister YAB Lim Guan Eng has extended the condolences to the family of former Bukit Tambun Assemblyman Lai Chew Hock over the shocking murder of Lai’s wife Toh Ju Lee by robber outside their family home last night.

I have contacted with Chief Police Officer Dato’ Wira Ayub Bin Yaakob to express my concerns at the crime situation in Penang especially before the murder of Madam Toh last night， there was a robbery at the Penang International Airport the previous day involving the loss of RM840,000 worth of gold.

Dato’ Ayub has briefed me on the situation and I have convey the state government’s request to the police to beef up security and increase police patrol to combat crime particularly during the Hari Raya holiday.

Dato’ Ayub shares the state concerns and assured me that the police will monitor the situation closely to try to check crime.

The Penang state government urges federal government to speed up the installation of 48 CCTVs in Penang to help the police to prevent crime. The installation of these CCTV is necessary in lieu of inadequate police personnel to conduct regular police patrol.

MPPP have already installed 31 CCTVs in Penang island and will receive 24 more. MPSP has no CCTV and will also receive 24 CCTVs from the federal government.

I have instructed both local council to write to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to grant the 48 CCTVs to be installed immediately to help the people of Penang enjoy the 4 basic rights of security to lives, to work, to study and play in a safe and secure environment.

Apart from existing approved CCTV, the Penang state will still require an additional 285 CCTVs. We hope that federal government can supply the 285 CCTV required or the Penang government will have to think of alternative measures to ensure public safety in Penang.

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* Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister Penang & DAP Secretary-General