PETALING JAYA: Motorists are strongly encouraged to install dashboard cameras (dashcams) in their vehicles, says Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.
The Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director said footage from dashcams could be used by the police in cases of accidents and road mishaps.
"Such footage will be very helpful in the course of traffic investigation into accidents or road mishaps.
"We strongly urge road users to install dashcams in their respective vehicles," he told The Star yesterday.
However, Comm Mohd Yusri reminded those who record traffic offences to share information or footage with the police through proper channels.
"Such recordings and information on incidents, if given to the authorities through the proper channels, can assist the department in investigating the accidents or mishaps.
"We urge those who recorded the acts of 'samseng jalanan' (road bullies) or road mishaps to pass the information or the videoclips to the authorities," he said.
Given a spate of accidents, especially involving heavy vehicles lately, Comm Mohd Yusri said it is all the more imperative for motorists to have dashcams.
"However, recordings or footage should not be merely recorded for content, marketing or viral purposes. It could jeopardise the safety of others or cause public confusion," he added.
He said information and videos of road offences involving motorists, including drivers of heavy vehicles, are welcome.
"Such a move will assist JSPT or other enforcement agencies to take action but the recordings must be given through the proper channels," he said.
Comm Mohd Yusri commended road users who recorded traffic offences and informed the police as soon as possible.
"Cooperation between the public and the police through the sharing of information is vital towards reducing the number of accidents in the country and tracking down offenders.
"However, don't take advantage of a situation by merely recording a road mishap just for the sake of uploading the footage on social media and making it viral in the hopes of gaining followers," he said.
He urged those with information on road mishaps, especially involving heavy vehicles, to contact the JSPT operations room at 03-2266 3356 or the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, Retired Senior Police Officers Association (Respa) president Datuk Meor Chek Hussien Mahayuddin said having dashcams is essential as it could also be a form of deterrent.
"If road users are aware they are being recorded, the likelihood of them committing an offence is significantly reduced.
"Should an accident occur, videos or footage from the dashcams could assist the police to determine what actually occurred and those involved," he said.
Meor Chek Hussien said footage or videos from dashcams should be used responsibly.
"The videos of road mishaps should be given to the authorities such as the JSPT. It should not be used defame someone or mislead the public," he said.
He reminded motorists to be responsible road users by ensuring their vehicles are in good condition.
"It is for the safety of themselves as well as other road users. We must not take safety, be it on the road or otherwise, for granted," he said.
