KUALA LUMPUR: News of a hidden camera in a fitting room at a popular clothing store here has sparked concern about safety and privacy after the video footage went viral.
Police are investigating the matter following a report lodged by H&M Malaysia.
Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Noor Dellhan Yahaya said the security manager of the outlet in Jalan Imbi made a report on Monday afternoon after seeing a message about the video being circulated on WhatsApp.
“An 11-second video from the hidden camera was uploaded to Twitter,” he said in a statement yesterday.
(The tweet has since been deleted.)
“We sent our personnel there to investigate and could not find the camera. We believe it happened at another location.
“But I want to assure the public that we are taking this matter seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice,” he added.
ACP Noor Dellhan said the case has been classified under Section 509 of the Penal Code for intentionally insulting the modesty of any woman by word, through sound, gesture or object.
H&M Malaysia lodged a police report after Twitter users expressed concerns that footage allegedly from concealed cameras in fitting rooms at a Kuala Lumpur store was being sold online.
“The safety of our customers is of the utmost importance to us. A police report has been made and investigations are ongoing.
“We have conducted an inspection of all fitting rooms and are working to ensure that there are no security breaches that will compromise the privacy of our customers,” the company said in a statement to The Star.
It is believed that videos from the camera are being sold online, with sellers claiming to have recordings of couples and individuals in fitting rooms.
The issue was first highlighted by Twitter user @meleisgw on Jan 8, but she has since deleted the tweet.
She later posted an update in which a victim claimed to have recognised herself in the video.
The victim also said the recording might have been taken in October last year.
Meanwhile, on H&M Malaysia’s Facebook page, some users left comments asking for an explanation from the company.
“Are there cameras in the fitting room? How long and how many customers have been recorded?” Omar Ali posted.
Another user who goes by the handle Sue Hae Dae said allegations about hidden cameras in the store are worrying.
“It’s stressful when I think back because I always shop there after work.”
On The Star’s Facebook page, some users suggested that others may want to start carrying devices that can detect hidden cameras.
“Maybe next time enter fitting room must bring along scanner for any cameras. Customers have to adapt, too,” Cheah Chee Wing wrote.
“All these places should provide a scanner to staff if have to make sure it’s safe for others,” said Ronald Tan KC.
Those with information on the case are urged to contact Insp Muhammad Fikri Abdul Manan at 013-414 9917 or the city police hotline at 03-2115 9999.
