Criminals will have a hard time once e-plate is reintroduced

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar expects criminals to have a "hard time" once the electronic number plate system (e-plate) is reintroduced.

The system, which was first proposed in 2006, will see vehicles in Malaysia to be equipped with the e-plate. The e-plate is expected to contain RFID tags -- where information on the driver and the vehicle are stored.

However, the system did not take off due to various reasons.

"I think this is the right time to reintroduce the e-plate system.

"This system will give a hard time to the criminals -- who steal vehicles or who commit crimes via stolen vehicles," said Khalid after witnessing the contribution of 10 Mitsubishi Lancer GT patrol cars to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) by Projek Lebuhraya Utara Selatan (PLUS) at Bukit Aman on Thursday.

He said that, if the system is being implemented, vehicle thefts and crimes committed using stolen vehicles can be detected quicker.

"We can trace the vehicle whether it is a legal or stolen vehicle that might using a fake registration number for other criminal purpose," he said.

It was reported that the system was part of the government's Automated Enforcement System, which will also include 700 new surveillance cameras nationwide.

These cameras will also be equipped with e-plate readers, allowing the authorities to detect drivers who break traffic rules such as red lights and double lines.

Khalid hopes the system can be implemented as soon as possible.