Penang Plans on Installing Face Recognition Cameras in Public to Detect Criminals

Face recognition technology is becoming increasingly common across a number of sectors, and it looks like Malaysia might be implementing this technology to help keep our cities safe!

According to The Star, Penang is currently considering installing a face recognition camera system on the streets in an effort to detect wanted criminals. If approved, Penang will be the first state in the whole of Malaysia to implement such a system. 

Source: the star

These cameras, typically installed in public areas, can identify pedestrians’ faces, while a computer linked to the system will be able to look through the person’s criminal records. If the person detected is a wanted criminal, police can then be notified immediately.

Penang chief of police Comm Datuk Seri A. Thaiveegan told the daily that this idea is still in the preliminary stages of planning, plus it requires the collaboration between the Penang Island City Council and the Seberang Perai Municipal Council. He added,

“Criminals coming to Penang beware, we will be watching you. Computers will run through their past records and alert the police if there are any suspicious activities.”

Source: financial review

As for when a formal decision will be made on this, the Penang police chief stated that they would take six months to decide that.

What are your thoughts on this? Would getting facial recognition cameras in public help catch criminals more quickly? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Also read: Chinese Cops Are Now Wearing Facial Recognition Glasses to Nab Wanted Criminals