Baku:Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that Malaysia is considering adopting modern policing technology based on the Chinese model to enhance crime prevention in high-risk and tourist areas. This approach utilizes high-definition CCTV surveillance and facial recognition systems to identify suspects quickly, reducing the need for a constant physical security presence.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid discussed this initiative with China's Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, focusing on cooperation to combat transnational crime. The Chinese model allows high-risk areas to be monitored using technology, facilitating the detection of criminal activities.

Ahmad Zahid highlighted that during his meeting in China, they explored how the non-omnipresence approach of modern policing has helped reduce crime rates in hotspots. He shared these insights at a press conference during his working visit to China, which commenced on October 12.

He noted that CCTV cameras placed approximately 50 meters apart in China enable rapid identification and arrest of suspects, often within four minutes of a crime. Malaysia previously trialed a similar system in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, which was effective in reducing crime, particularly in tourist areas like Bukit Bintang.

Despite the potential benefits, Ahmad Zahid acknowledged that budgetary constraints pose challenges to expanding this technology nationwide. He plans to present the findings from his visit at a Cabinet meeting to evaluate its potential implementation in areas with high crime rates and tourist hotspots. He remains hopeful that with greater financial resources, Malaysia could implement this modern policing model more broadly in the future.