Facial recognition is not something new in the tech world, as facial recognition has been applied into smartphones where users could have their face detected to unlock their phones.
However that technology has since been applied into Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and Pulau Pinang, Malaysia has officially been announced to be the first state in Malaysia to launch facial recognition CCTV to detect the faces of criminals.
Kerajaan negeri Pulau Pinang lancar projek pengecaman wajah (facial recognition) menerusi kamera litar tertutup (CCTV) yang pertama di Malaysia dan mampu mengesan wajah penjenayah – KM Chow Kon Yeow pic.twitter.com/KP8cFNkZKQ
— BERNAMA (@bernamadotcom) January 2, 2019
This news was reported by BERNAMA on their official Twitter account where they officiate the announcement.
Although there was not much information given through the post, but this project has been revealed to the public since September 2018.
According to The Star Online’s post, it was mentioned that the cameras will be operated in public areas where it will identify individuals and a linked computer system will run through the individual’s criminal records.
Police would then be alerted if the person was a “wanted” suspect.
With the newly installed facial recognition CCTV, crime rates will decrease in Pulau Pinang and this would make the police’s job easier when it comes to detecting the whereabouts of a criminal, and it would also benefit the public when it comes to safety. This could be one of the great ways for Malaysia to combat crime.