KUALA LUMPUR – Police are considering proposing to the Transport Ministry and Road Transport Department (RTD) to increase the usage of dashcams in private vehicles.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said such devices would assist investigations into road crashes as well as public complaints on traffic safety and violations.
He added that dashcam recordings could help police scrutinise untoward events on the road and public areas.
“It (dashcam usage) should be definitely encouraged,” he told The Vibes.
The IGP also highlighted that police have been advocating channelling precise information and support from the public on traffic and crime incidents.
When asked if police would put forward a proposal to RTD and the Transport Ministry to encourage the installation of dashcams, Acryl said: “This can be suggested (to RTD and the ministry).”
Earlier this week, police requested public feedback on its Facebook page on dashcams.
“What do you think? Road users are advised to install dashcams, which not only record the cause of a road crash and those involved, it could help to reveal road bullies. Do you agree?”
Dashcams should be made standard in private vehicles
Over the years, academicians and activists have called for authorities to make dashcams among standard items fitted in privately owned vehicles.
Last year, crime analyst Datuk Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim had said video recordings could be used as evidence in the event of an accident or when dealing with road thugs.
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia’s (Usim) faculty of shariah and laws’ Assoc Prof Muzaffar Syah Mallow had suggested for dashcams to be made compulsory.
“The use of dashcams is important to record any type of criminal incident that occurs such as road bullying, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, robbery, violence or physical assault and sexual harassment.”
In a commentary three years ago, Usim’s deputy director of strategic communication Mohd Zaini Osman had said dashcams should be included as a basic accessory in all Proton and Perodua models.
Consider legal potholes, inaccessibility
However, the suggestion was shot down by then transport minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, citing legislative obstacles and public misconception.
“Without legal provisions and clear rules, I am afraid that any behaviour recorded (on dashcams) cannot be used for claims or court proceedings.
“This matter will also cause people to blame the government for mandating the use of a piece of equipment that cannot be used in court.
“I also do not disagree with the view that it will be a burden to the people, especially the B40 group, if dashcams are made mandatory.”
While Wee acknowledged that dashcam recordings could be used for road safety education in the future, he opined that it should not be considered as a preventive measure from a road safety perspective. – The Vibes, May 14, 2023
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