The installation of safety features in 151 local councils, which started early this year at the cost of RM64 million, to
combat street crime is expected to be completed next month.
Housing and Local Government Minister Chor Chee Heung said the project included installing better street lightings in housing areas, building pedestrian walks farther from roads to deter snatch thefts and fixing traffic mirrors at strategic locations.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting on the safe city programme today, he said the project was an expansion from the programme, which was carried out in 12 hotspots in the country.
He said the programme had helped reduced the overall crime rate by 15 per cent and the street crime rate by 35 per cent last year.
“With continuous efforts, the government has set a further reduction of the overall crime index by five per cent this year compared to last year and the street crime index by as much as 40 per cent compared to 2009,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chor said better lightings would be installed on pedestrian bridges, underground tunnels and bus stations in 12 local councils to combat crimes.
– Bernama