Hidden from view: Concerns about the abuse resulting from spycams were highlighted in ‘The Star’ in May 2012. News of a hidden camera in a fitting room at a popular clothing store recently has renewed concern about safety and privacy after the video footage went viral.
KUALA LUMPUR: A clothes hook in a dressing room may seem innocuous enough – but beware, it may be a camera in disguise.
Spy cameras in all sizes, shapes and forms are on sale in the market.
A check by The Star showed that these wireless devices can be bought online for as little as RM12 to about RM200 per device.
These cameras are hidden in clocks, statues, mobile phone chargers, and clothes hooks to look inconspicuous.
Some of these devices can also be paired with a mobile phone for remote viewing.
The police, however, have warned against buying such gadgets to record people without their knowledge.
On Monday, news of a hidden camera in a fitting room at a popular clothing store sparked concern about safety and privacy after the video footage went viral.
H&M Malaysia lodged a police report after Twitter users expressed concerns that footage allegedly from concealed cameras in its fitting rooms was being sold online.
In 2012, The Star reported that spy cameras may appear as everyday items, including identification tags, watches, electrical adapters, fake plants, air purifiers and exit signs.
They operate like regular cameras, but their sizes vary according to their disguise.
Some of them capture crystal-clear images.
A spy camera that looks like a car key, for example, is available for RM45 which is cheaper than most closed-circuit television cameras.
Most spy cameras are also wireless and send data to remote receivers.
However, video is recorded and stored in the device’s internal memory or on a separate memory card in low-cost spy cameras.
Back then, the cameras cost between RM90 and RM420, but prices have since dropped significantly, making these devices easily available to just about anyone.
“Perverts and criminals can now use this, and that’s the downside of technology,” said Malaysians Against Rape, Assault & Snatch Theft founder Dave Avran.
He called upon courts to impose the maximum sentences against those caught using such devices to record people without their consent.
“Those caught recording and sharing images of someone without their permission can be charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code,” he said, adding that while this was a bailable offence, the courts should deny bail and impose jail sentences as a deterrent as this was a matter of public concern.
He also advised the public to scan their surroundings for hidden recording devices.
“You can download free apps to detect hidden cameras from both Google Play and the App Store.
“Camera scanners are also on sale for less than RM100.
“Shopowners can use them to regularly sweep their changing rooms to reassure customers of their privacy,” he said.
Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Noor Dellhan Yahaya said owning a spycam or a pinhole camera was not an offence.
However, he warned that those caught recording others without their knowledge or distributing such videos will face stern action under a number of laws.
He said that among the laws that could be used are Section 509 and Section 292 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
ACP Noor Dellhan said they would not hesitate to use all available laws against anyone caught for such crimes.
“The police will not stand by and allow such activities to go unpunished,” he said.
