The Transport Ministry will study the latest proposal by the police to bring back to the table the possible nationwide implementation of the electronic number plate system (e-plate).
However, acting minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today cautioned that the system must be studied thoroughly in all aspects.
“We will study it, in the context of affordability, whether it can satisfy the requirements... not only for the police to reduce crime and so on, but also on can meet the needs and wants of the public,” said Hishammuddin here.
The idea for such an e-plate system was first publicly announced sometime in December 2006.
All vehicles in Malaysia with supposed to be fitted number plates with RFID microchips that can be scanned.
The chips would store information on the driver and vehicle.
However, the system did not take off due to various reasons, including public outcry over the costs on motorists.
Ostensibly taking these into account, Hishammuddin said that there was a need to “balance public interest and the bigger interest”.
“We need to study all parties, it goes through ministry… but we want to make sure the objective not only meets the target, but meet the needs of all.”
Asked about the initial proposal in 2006, Hishammuddin expressed that he was not fully aware of the history of the system.
”It is a proposal coming from the police. The Inspector-General of Police [IGP] will forward it to my ministry. I will have to look at it.
"I don’t know [what happened in 2006], I have just been here for four weeks,' he admitted.
Yesterday, IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said that he expected criminals to have a "hard time" once the e-plate is reintroduced.
"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.
It was reported that the system was supposed to be phase two of the government's Automated Enforcement System, where AES cameras also come equipped with e-plate readers, but was scrapped.
Astro Awani
Sat Jul 06 2013
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.