Police tells Malaysian banks to set up security system for ATMs

The Malaysian police suggested that banks set up a central security control system to monitor every ATM to detect any undesirable activities.

Bukit Aman CID director Datuk Seri Bakri Zinin said this could function as a monitoring system so that any information, especially with regard to theft of ATMS, could be directly channelled to the police.

"I suggest that banks throughout the country establish such a system to ensure information on crime incidents could be detected early with the information relayed fast to the police for prompt action," he said.

Bakri said preliminary studies by police found ATMs installed in open areas made it easier for criminals to run off with the machines without the banks or their security personnel aware of the incidents which also put the ATM users at risk.

"We know that ATMs are placed in open locations for the convenience of users but the security aspect must also be emphasised to prevent ATM thefts.

"Such incidents happen when there are too many ATMs located in open areas while security surveillance is lacking, thus providing opportunities for or encouraging criminals to rob the public who have made their withdrawals from the ATMs or to run off with the machines," he said.

Bakri said the security features of the ATMs also needed to be enhanced to prevent the recurrence of attempts to steal or theft of the machines.

"Perhaps there should be alarm bells installed or ensuring that the CCTVs do function or security guards stationed at the ATMs to step up security."

Bakri also suggested a meeting between the police and banks' management representatives to discuss security aspects and find solutions to the problems.

In the last three weeks, four incidents of ATM theft were reported in the Klang Valley including Balakong and in Sepang.

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