HULU LANGAT, Oct 10 — The Kajang Smart City Command Centre (KS2C), a smart city control centre fully operational since January 1 this year, is helping address public issues.
According to the President of the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), the KS2C helps the local authority monitor and coordinate administrative operations within its jurisdiction.
Nazli Md Taib said that the vast administrative area and high population density are among the major challenges MPKj faces in conducting urban monitoring.
"Monitoring tasks certainly present significant challenges. We need to leverage technology and artificial intelligence to reduce reliance on manpower while also saving on administrative costs," he told Media Selangor.
He added that the control centre strengthens smart city development and the digitalisation of local government management, while also enhancing urban monitoring capabilities.
Nazli said MPKj can now monitor traffic via monitoring screens and utilise artificial intelligence (AI) technology to gain an overview of traffic conditions within its administrative area.
He said MPKj also utilises other technologies, including satellite technology, to monitor conditions such as potholes and slopes.
"If an area is detected to be at risk of soil movement, we can direct the relevant unit to the site to conduct inspections and take preventive measures.
"We cannot simply wait for the State Government or relevant parties to provide funding. That is why we also need to implement mobile CCTV monitoring systems, particularly to monitor illegal dumping.
“Illegal dumping sites are constantly shifting, so mobile monitoring systems are among the aspects that need to be improved and strengthened in the future,” he said.
According to Nazli, KS2C is equipped with various smart city systems, platforms, and infrastructure to monitor the city and manage daily operations, including 63 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
He added that emergency buttons have also been installed in recreational parks: five at Taman Tasik Cempaka, two at Taman Tasik Sungai Chua, one at Kajang Stadium, and one at the Section 15 Sports Complex.
While KS2C is still in its early stages, Nazli said it will be enhanced with new elements and applications to keep up pace with the digital era to boost its functionality in the future.
However, he mentioned that there are currently no plans for KS2C to serve as a specialised hub for data analysis and forecasting, such as making projections based on crime data.
“There are no plans yet to turn KS2C into an analysis and forecasting centre, particularly regarding crime data; however, we are ready to share data with other parties,” he said.
Nazli emphasised that a disciplined and responsible workforce remains crucial, as a lackadaisical attitude or a lack of proactivity could undermine the efficiency of advanced technology.
“We still need a disciplined and responsible workforce to serve the public. Therefore, a balance between the two must be maintained,” he said.
Nazli added that self-assessments identify weaknesses in service delivery, including organising training and skills courses to improve the efficiency of services provided to the public.
“I want to emphasise that KS2C is merely a tool. It is we ourselves who actually operate and monitor this system,” he said.
Nazli explained that, before the establishment of this control centre, each local authority (PBT) already had its own separate monitoring centre to oversee specific issues such as flooding and illegal dumping.
“However, these existing functions have now been integrated into a single platform through the establishment of KS2C,” he said.
Helping police track criminals
In addition to monitoring traffic, natural disasters, and illegal dumping, KS2C serves as the authorities' ‘eyes’ for detecting criminal activity and tracking suspects.
Nazli said the department collaborates with the Kajang police on CCTV monitoring and security matters.
He also explained that footage from the 63 CCTV cameras is shared with the Kajang police to assist with public monitoring, case investigations, and tracking criminals.
“This information-sharing mechanism helps us gain an overview of the security situation within the administrative area, while also facilitating coordination and rapid response from both parties should an incident occur that requires police intervention,” he said.
Nazli noted that the local authority’s CCTV monitoring system had previously helped Bukit Aman police obtain crucial information and track criminals' movements.
“Even though the incident did not take place within MPKj’s administrative area, the police were at least able to track the suspect's movements through the surveillance footage,” he added.
The KS2C serves as a platform for residents and business owners to file complaints, Nazli said, enabling the local authority to respond more quickly and efficiently.
He mentioned that the handling of public issues spans numerous sectors.
“This matter often required MPKj to contact several departments separately, involving a complex and time-consuming process.
“With the establishment of KS2C, the relevant units can communicate and coordinate actions through a single platform.
“Now, it can be said that with just a single click, we can contact the relevant units to address public issues, thereby enhancing efficiency and streamlining the coordination process,” he said.
