The special public-address system, an initiative costing the Penang Government RM38.3 million, is part of a network of 534 CCTV cameras installed throughout the state.

State Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said besides keeping an eye on crime, the system has already improved traffic along congested roads.

“Once we spot a driver parking illegally, the operator in charge of the section will announce the vehicle’s registration plates and ask the driver to move their car elsewhere.

“If there is no action, then we will radio our traffic enforcement team to tow the car away,” he said in a press conference here today.

Chow said last year, 10,848 vehicles were warned using the public address and surveillance system, with 56 vehicles towed and 60 clamped.

He added that from Jan to Mar this year, 4,242 vehicles were alerted with five towed and 53 clamped under the system.

Earlier, Chow officially opened the Penang Island City Council’s 9,400 sq ft, state-of-the-art CCTV viewing facility in Komtar, costing RM2.64 million.

To date, 318 cameras and loudspeakers worth RM19.8 million have been installed throughout the state. By August, another 216 will be installed.

The cameras are now pointed at most major roads in the state, townships, beaches and hills on the island. The live feed is also linked to three police stations in the state.