State Local Government Committee Chairman Chow Kon Yeow said in addition to six cameras already installed recently, another 22 would be installed by year-end.
He said the cameras were installed at the Penang Hill range — namely Paya Terubong and also the hills in Batu Ferringhi. He did not give the exact location of the cameras.
“We have fitted 20-metre poles and attached high-resolution cameras with long-zooming capabilities to keep a close watch on our hills.
“This will also curb any illegal land-clearing activities on these hills,” he said during a press conference at the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) here today.
Chow was responding to a question of surveillance and enforcement against those who illegally clear hill land, evident from several news reports over the past few weeks.
The Star recently reported extensive farming on illegally-terraced hills in the Penang Hill range as well as excessive clearing in Paya Terubong and Sungai Ara. The English daily also published reports recently on land clearing at an earth quarry in Teluk Bahang.
Meanwhile, at the same press conference, MBPP Engineering Department Deputy Director A Rajendran said the council could monitor the hills using camera drones although it may violate privacy laws.
“We must first comply with relevant laws before scouring the area using drones fitted with cameras.
“We have engaged legal experts to advise us whether it is legal to do so or else we’ll expose ourselves to lawsuits,” Rajendran said.
He added that the council, upon clearance by legal advisers, had previously summoned the services of a third-party drone operator to survey hill lands.
“We usually survey (the hills) once every three months through a sub-contractor,” Rajendran added.