GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government will seek an allocation of RM58.45 million from the federal government under the 10th Malaysia Plan to enhance security measures and for crime prevention efforts in the state.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said there was a crucial need for 485 CCTVs to be installed in public places over the next five years.

"The CCTVs would cost RM43.65 million while the other RM14.8 million is necessary to increase security patrols by disciplined and trained volunteers, since there is a lack of police personnel to carry out vigilance and patrols," he said in a statement.

Lim said the Housing and Local Government Ministry still "owed" Penangites 48 CCTVs which had been promised in 2007.

"The ministry had promised under the Safe City programme to provide the 48 CCTVs at black areas which have been identified to be crime prone throughout the state.

"In response to my question in parliament, I was informed that under Phase I of the programme, 496 CCTVs will be installed throughout 25 municipalities in the peninsular.

"The project was awarded to GTC Global Sdn Bhd via open tender and works to install the CCTVs started on Feb 15 this year and is expected to be completed by July 15 this year.

"The CCTVs are supposed to be leased for five years from 2010 to 2015. Why is it that the project is only being implemented now, when it was announced in 2007?

"Why the three-year delay? If this project was deemed to be crucial for the security and safety of the people, why wasn't it implemented immediately?" Lim asked.

He also urged Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon to hasten the installation of another 50 CCTVs which had also been promised to Penang under the government transformation programme under key performance index (KPI) to reduce crime.

"There has also been no word on this project, though it was announced last year. Would this project also take another three years before it is implemented?" he asked.