MBKS seeks 197 CCTV cameras for residential areas from 2027, seeks more funding

Wee speaking to reporters during An Evening with MBKS Residents 1.0 at Kenyalang Park Community Association (KPCA) on Oct 17, 2026. Photo credit: DayakDaily

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Oct 17: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is seeking 197 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras for residential areas, with implementation of the planned expansion expected to begin in 2027 and continue into 2028.

MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said that the council had installed 67 CCTV cameras within its jurisdiction, mostly in commercial areas, and was now looking to extend surveillance coverage to residential neighbourhoods.

He outlined plans to identify priority locations, particularly neighbourhood entrances and exits, before submitting recommendations to the relevant implementing agency.

“The way we look at it is, we have been concentrating, I think, for the past years, we have installed 67 in MBKS area.

“Those are all mostly on commercial area. So I think it’s time to move into residential area,” he told reporters during An Evening with MBKS Residents 1.0 at Kenyalang Park Community Association (KPCA) today.

Wee identified Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) as the implementing agency, with MBKS responsible for identifying suitable locations and recommending sites based on its knowledge of the areas under its jurisdiction.

He acknowledged that the funding allocated would fall short of covering all the locations identified by the council.

“No doubt, what they have allocated to us is not really sufficient, but I think we will concentrate on the more important area first,” he explained.

The council would therefore prioritise critical locations while continuing to seek additional funding to widen surveillance coverage.

Wee projected that the number of CCTV cameras within the MBKS area could rise from the existing 67 to around 140 or more, although the council’s requirement for residential areas alone stood at 197 cameras.

“So that’s why we were looking for more funding if possible,” he added.

He clarified that the residential CCTV expansion remained at the planning stage, with implementation expected in 2027 and 2028.

Wee reiterated that MBKS would identify locations requiring surveillance, while SDEC would handle implementation.

He also identified the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) as the relevant authority, with the system linked to the Sarawak Integrated Operation Centre (SIOC). — DayakDaily