KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Mohmad Salleh has urged shopping malls to upgrade their closed-circuit television (CCTV) system to aid police investigation.

"The failure of CCTV system to function properly is a key factor that prevented police from solving cases fast," he told reporters after chairing a meeting with 89 security unit chiefs from 80 shopping malls in the city, here today.

The role of CCTV system in tackling crime should not be dismissed as it could help reduce crime in shopping malls and the surrounding areas.

During the meeting, police agreed to delegate a police office to each shopping mall as point of reference when crime occurs.

Mohmad said police should be allowed to enter basement parking areas to create omnipresence to reduce crime at shopping malls.

"I also urge property owners to enhance security at their premises because safe conditions will give a positive image to the shopping malls."

On public outcry of rising crime at shopping malls, he said the situation is not serious as there were only nine cases in the first four months of the year.

"Four cases occurred at basement parking areas while the rest were outside business premises.

"With 80 shopping malls in the city, the statistics show that the security situation is under control. It became an issue in society due to over reporting by certain parties," he added.