Mohd Jafni (centre) visiting the exhibition booths after launching the Iskandar Puteri Low-Carbon Programme at the Iskandar Puteri City Council main hall.
Number part of 1,500 AI-enabled cameras under Johor Safe initiative, says exco member
Installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras that utilise artificial intelligence (AI) are part of efforts to bring a unified smart infrastructure across Greater Johor Baru, says a state exco member.
Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said 995 of 1,500 such CCTV cameras are already in operation in key areas around Greater Johor Baru, with the rest to be installed within the next two years as part of the Johor Safe initiative.
He said the initiative, launched in 2022 under the Smart City agenda, aimed to bring smart technology to local councils in the Greater Johor Baru area.
The Greater Johor Baru area comprised four local councils – Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) and Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu).
“A Smart City involves digitalising services across different sectors. In Johor, we are developing a unified smart infrastructure across Greater Johor Baru.
“Currently Johor Baru has 500 AI-powered CCTV units, Iskandar Puteri has completed the first 100 of its planned 500 units, Pasir Gudang has 300, and Kulai has installed 95,” he said after launching the Iskandar Puteri Low Carbon Programme at the MBIP main hall.
“The aim is to improve public safety, reduce crime and support sustainable infrastructure.”
He said the advanced CCTV system use AI to monitor traffic violations, detect littering and track vehicles involved in criminal activities.
“Recently, the MBJB smart CCTV network helped identify a vehicle licence plate in a criminal case, allowing authorities to trace its movements,” said Mohd Jafni.
“The system also assists with flood control by monitoring water levels and alerting the MBJB special operations unit to respond to flooding.
“The cameras are strategically positioned at junctions and high-traffic areas throughout the city.”
In addition to surveillance, the Johor Smart City agenda includes features such as smart parking and smart lighting.
“In Johor Baru, we have introduced smart street lamps that can be controlled using a smartphone,” said Mohd Jafni.
He said Johor was also progressing towards full Smart City accreditation.
Currently, eight out of 16 local councils in Johor had achieved Level 1 Smart City status, while MBJB has reached Level 2 – the highest status outside of Putrajaya.
“Over the next two years, MBIP and MBPG aim to join MBJB at Level 2,” he added.
Mohd Jafni said the Smart City agenda has to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in environmental protection.
“With rapid development, Johor must address carbon emissions to maintain air quality for the future,” he said.
“Our focus is on sustainable growth to control carbon output,” he highlighted.
Separately, Mohd Jafni said MPKu was running a “whitening” programme to regulate illegal factories in the district.
“This programme requires factories to go through a zoning review and obtain permits.
“Many older buildings don’t meet current fire and safety standards,” he noted.
He said the state government was also piloting a project to monitor river pollution through the Johor Urban Observatory (JUO), currently focusing on Sungai Skudai.
“If successful, this project can serve as a model for monitoring river health across Johor,” he added.
