Penang JPJ's Use Of body Cameras Enhances Transparency, Integrity

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- All Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) enforcement personnel are now using body-worn cameras (BWCs) as part of measures to enhance transparency and integrity in carrying out their duties.

Its director, Zulkifly Ismail, said the BWCs are aimed at recording all enforcement activities, thus proving its intention to carry out its duties transparently and with integrity.

"We started using the BWCs from last November, after receiving them from the headquarters, and this year we will fully maximise their usage.

"The body cameras are meant to record all interactions between our personnel and road users, and are not only meant to uphold the rights of road users but also to protect enforcement officers from any misunderstandings, baseless allegations and claims of misconduct,” he said.

He told reporters this after the Penang JPJ Setia Gathering at the state JPJ office in Seberang Jaya here today.

Zulkifly said that, so far, 14 body cameras are being used by Penang JPJ enforcement personnel, involving 14 personnel on duty daily.

He said the body camera recordings would be monitored in real time by a team at the headquarters, and any complaints involving road users would receive a swift response in accordance with the stipulated standard operating procedure (SOP).

Meanwhile, he said the Penang JPJ will step up enforcement operations against drivers of heavy vehicles, particularly lorry drivers, following concerns about the rising number of drug abuse cases among them.

Zulkifli said the matter was detected through numerous integrated operations carried out in collaboration with the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) and other enforcement agencies.

-- BERNAMA