THE Penang government is adopting technology from the closed-circuit television (CCTV) to remind people on the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said there are a total of 175 CCTVs equipped with voice features in the state. Out of that number, 150 are on the island and 25 on the mainland.
He said announcements would be made by both Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) through the speakers from the CCTVs to remind people to follow SOPs.
“For instance, every 30 minutes, there will be an announcement to ensure SOPs are followed.
“If the crowds are still gathering and do not practise physical distancing when reminders are made, then the MBPP and MBSP officers will be on the ground to act accordingly,” he told a press conference at the Intelligence Operation Centre (IOC) in Komtar today.
Jagdeep said the 175 CCTVs equipped with voice features are part of the 1,243 CCTVS installed throughout the state. The island has 1,001 CCTVS while the mainland has 242 CCTVs.
Out of the 1,243 CCTVs, 553 have the video analytics features with 528 on the island and 25 on the mainland.
“The video analytics features help the local authorities to capture incidents of illegal dumping or even illegal parking,” said Jagdeep.
Additionally, he said he would instruct both local authorities to continue with their efforts to ensure people adhere to SOPs.
“The situation now is that we have to wary as the number (of cases) speak for itself.
“We have to be stronger in the battle against the ongoing pandemic,” he said.
When asked by a reporter whether drones could be used to monitor SOP compliance in crowded places like in Selangor, Jagdeep said the state might be looking into the need to implement such effort.
“It is in our plan,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis