KUALA LUMPUR - The Parliament building is now equipped with modern and advanced closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to further strengthen security at the premises.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the project, involving the installation of new cameras at the main block, upgrading of the main control room, and additional cameras at the multipurpose hall, the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and Dewan Negara president official residences as well as the Parliament childcare centre, was completed within 12 months at a cost of RM5.2 million.
"The main objective of this project is to enhance the security system of the Parliament building with world-class, state-of-the-art technology, including the integration of smart features for the CCTV system equipped with analytical functions, in line with the Madani Government’s aspiration to provide responsive and efficient smart infrastructure,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the handover ceremony of the restoration works of the Parliament Complex’s Chamber system and CCTV security system, the official residences of the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara president, as well as the Parliament childcare centre here today.
Also present were Dewan Negara president Senator Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, and Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan.
Nanta said the restoration works for the conferencing systems at the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat were completed within 16 months at a cost of RM16.6 million.
He said the project is primarily aimed at providing a live backup system to ensure that parliamentary sittings would not be disrupted in the event of a failure in the main system.
Despite the technological modernisation, Nanta said conservation elements were maintained in view of the Parliament building’s status as a National Heritage Site, with due regard given to compliance with the National Heritage Act 2005.
Meanwhile, Johari said the upgraded chamber now serves as a support system should any disruption occur in the main chamber.
He added that the space had also been renovated to fulfil two key functions, namely as the venue for the Youth Parliament sittings scheduled to commence in May and as a new location for the Special Chamber, which previously convened in cramped conditions. - BERNAMA