KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 — Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will be equipping its enforcement officers with body cameras in an effort to combat corruption and bribery, joining neighbouring local councils in Selangor.

Its executive director of socio-economic development Datuk Azmi Abdul Hamid said the body cameras will be provided for some 100 officers at first, starting next month, The Star reported today.

According to the news report, the body cameras are to record interactions between the officers on duty and the public and the footage may be used as evidence in court.

“We will see how effective it is in combating crime and graft and its role as the neutral third eye in disputes between the public and our officers.

“This will also help to ensure the safety of our officers who are at risk when carrying out their duties,” Azmi was quoted saying.

The idea to equip DBKL officers with body-cams dates back to 2020 when then mayor Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan spoke of building the integrity of the officers to reduce cases of abuse of power.

The Star reported that five DBKL officers were roped in to wear the body-cams for a trial run but the project was later called off without an explanation given.

The calls for body-cams gained traction after several DBKL enforcement officers were suspected to have solicited bribes from traders who breached licensing regulations, The Star reported.

Several crime prevention advocates have lauded the move.

“This is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for a government that is free of corruption, including by plugging loopholes,” Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye told the newspaper.

Crime Prevention Foundation member SKK Naidu said the video-recorded disputes between the public and enforcement officers on duty were often one sided and the use of body cameras could ensure public safety while keeping potential power abuses in check.

City MPs appear divided in their support of body cameras for DBKL officers.

The Star reported Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng as supporting the move while Seputeh MP Teresa Kok remains sceptical.

“If people want to bribe, there are many ways to do so.

“Corruption happens from top-down and has been going on for years,” Kok was quoted saying.

To better address corruption in government agencies, she said structural reform is vital.