Kulai takes on challenge of becoming smart city

A total of 300 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be installed in strategic locations throughout Kulai, Johor, in the next three years.

Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) president Mohd Fahmi Salam said this included 95 CCTV cameras that were expected to be installed this year.

He said the CCTV network was part of Johor government’s effort towards establishing smart cities, especially in the four local councils under Greater Johor Baru (Greater JB) region.

“We hope to instal 95 before the end of this year while the remaining 205 units are expected to be installed next year and in 2026,” he said after the MPKu full board meeting.

He said it would help to improve the safety while monitoring cleanliness of the city, thus reassure the community and investors.

The three other local councils under Greater JB are Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) and Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG).

The Johor Smart City strategy was announced by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi during the tabling of Budget 2024 last year.

Aimed at ensuring Johor achieves smart state status by 2030, this blueprint includes a RM4.4mil allocation for the installation of CCTV cameras in cities and municipalities.

Mohd Fahmi said other efforts in turning Kulai into a smart city included a traffic lights system upgrade and use of mobile parking payment app.

“We aim to have 29 smart traffic lights as well as the new parking app up and running by the end of this year.

“However, we will not do away with manual parking coupons for the time being as we understand that people may need some time to familiarise themselves with the new system,” he said.

Mohd Fahmi said MPKu was also in the final stages of drafting a blueprint of other smart city preparations, expected to be completed in October.

“This is also timely as Kulai is now becoming an attractive investment destination for domestic and international companies,” he said.