NEWS has spread that the government will be installing a further 100 Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras, and quite frankly, it is about time.

The idea of automating enforcement is not exactly new. We have had cameras to enforce traffic laws much earlier, in the form of manual cameras set up at traffic lights. 

It is true that the government should not have privatised the enforcement of law as they did through the AES. However, we do need to pick up the slack in installing both CCTVs and traffic cameras in ensuring the security of city centres and heavily populated areas such as transport hubs and malls, and not just highways. 

Of course, this is not a popular school of thought, particularly when it comes to the threat of Big Brother always watching. It is definitely an issue when it comes to trusting authority and how far we wish to push the boundaries of privacy.

But that being said, CCTVs and AES cameras in heavily populated areas would allow us to not only monitor crime, but also to keep track of terrorist threats and those involved in them. 

More than that, we have had a spate of crimes and missing persons cases that could have possible been averted, or at least solved by now had we a proper citywide CCTV system under the purview of city councils. Again, this plan is not new, especially with Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam since as early as 1998. 

But are they monitored and maintained well? 

To move forward with the AES, it should be implemented not only on the highways but also at each and every traffic light and pedestrian crossing. Let’s face it, Malaysian drivers can’t even respect a zebra crossing, let alone a traffic light. And since this is the case, what better way than to hit them right in their wallets for their actions?

At the same time, another point that makes automated systems for law enforcement better in the long run are two things – the inability for the enforcers to succumb to corruption, and the ability to upgrade. There is no way a traffic camera can be affected by a “Governor’s Letter” (slang for bribe), and will be an effective levelling system that no one will be entitled to be let off, be it politicians or even what makes up a so-called social gentry list. 

Of course, there is still room for underhanded deals when it comes to processing and receiving these fines by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the police, so these two enforcement arms still need to make sure their houses are clean. 

As for the second point, while these cameras are now being used to monitor breaches of traffic laws such as speeding, hit and runs, and beating traffic lights, it can and should be extended to monitoring street fights, pickpockets, kidnappings, and with certain upgrades, even emissions problems. 

Yes, the legislative aspect needs to enshrine constitutional rights and ensure a fair deal for all Malaysians.

In this sense, motorcycle traffic laws need a lot of amending, primarily because they now use tolled roads which require maintenance – and thus should be tolled as well.

At the same time, highways must be lined with more spots for motorcycles to take shelter in case of bad weather.  That would mean mini RnR stations will be added to all highways. 

The after-effects of all this, from automated enforcement and CCTVs to changes in legislation, are also indirectly to do another thing – to push Malaysians back to public transport, and to ensure all Malaysians remain safe either on the road or on the sidewalks. – June 30, 2017.

* Hafidz loves to ruffle feathers and believes in the EA Games tag line of challenging everything. Most times, he represents the Devil’s Advocate on multiple issues.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.