New Safety Gadget at RM120k

Cops a press of a button away
By SIM BAK HENG | news@nst.com.my

FEEL SAFER: Kiosk directly linked to Johor police HQ

JOHOR BARU: SECURITY at Iskandar Malaysia has been given a boost with the installation of an interactive kiosk in the heart of the city centre here, yesterday. This is the second kiosk of its kind in the country, the first being in Penang.

Installed at the Jalan Wong Ah Fook-Jalan Station junction, the kiosk is meant for the public to call the police in case of an emergency.Johor Baru City Council mayor Burhan Amin said the kiosk was part of the "safe city" programmes aimed at enhancing the city centre's image and security.
The project complements existing security measures, such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, lamp posts, safety signboards, safety mirrors, road bumpers and pedestrian paths.

"The previous security measures had managed to bring down the crime rate last year by almost 10 per cent, compared with 2011. 

"I believe the new kiosk can further instil confidence in visitors here with regard to the level of safety in the city.
"This is in line with our aspiration to make Johor Baru a global city by 2020," Burhan said after a ceremony to hand over the kiosk to the Johor police yesterday.

Present was Johor Baru South deputy police chief Superintendent Abdul Samad Salleh.The kiosk costs RM120,000 and was funded by the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

In case of an emergency, one only has to stand close to the kiosk, press a button and speak directly into its intercom.The kiosk is directly linked to the Johor police headquarters.A police officer will then speak with the complainant, in the style of a teleconference.A police team will then be sent to the kiosk immediately to assist in the situation.

Burhan said the council hoped to install more of such kiosks in strategic areas throughout the city.
"I hope the people will make full use of the facility and maintain it properly. Avoid making crank calls or risk legal action if you do so, as the kiosk is monitored by a CCTV."