KL police propose KK Mart stores as safety points to boost crime prevention

Kuala Lumpur police have endorsed the idea of converting KK Mart convenience stores into "Go-To-Safety-Point" (GTSP) locations, aiming to fortify crime monitoring and prevention measures within the city. Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus revealed that approximately 700 KK Mart outlets in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are open around the clock, boast excellent lighting, and possess centralized closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, all of which make them suitable as safe havens during emergencies.

During a press conference coinciding with the grand opening of a new KK Mart store at the Kuala Lumpur Police headquarters, Fadil elucidated that the police intend to enhance collaboration with these commercial establishments by strengthening patrolling and surveillance efforts to ensure that these sites become secure havens for the general populace.

Furthermore, the police are exploring the feasibility of gaining access to the chain's centralized CCTV footage, which would further bolster the overall security monitoring within the vicinity. The GTSP program is an initiative that establishes a network of key partner premises as safety points for the public to seek immediate aid in the occurrence of emergencies, crimes, or security breaches.

The KK Mart branch located at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters represents the inaugural convenience store branch situated within a police building. Fadil emphasized that any illicit items are strictly prohibited from being sold in these premises, subject to the regulations governing government properties. Meanwhile, Dr. Chai Kee Kan, the founder and executive chairman of KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd, expressed that there are roughly 1,100 KK Mart outlets throughout the country, and he envisions significant potential for situating these stores in government buildings.

Dr. Chai warmly welcomed the police's proposal to adopt the GTSP concept and was amenable to sharing CCTV footage from KK Mart stores to support police investigations.