The Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry yesterday launched the 1Federal Territory Security Scheme to improve the security system of housing areas in the city.

The scheme with an initial fund of RM2 million and which will benefit more than 100,000 city dwellers, was launched by its minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.

"The government through Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Federal Territory Foundation will contribute RM500,000 each while RM1 million more will come from the Real Estate Housing Developers Association (REHDA)," Raja Nong Chik told reporters after the launching ceremony.

He said the scheme was one of the government's initiatives to reduce crime rates in the country.

"I am confident with the scheme, the crime rates in Kuala Lumpur will drop,"he added.

Raja Nong Chik said the scheme would be managed by the Federal Territory Foundation and monitored by the ministry from time to time.

He said the scheme was to provide and repair security fencing, closed-circuit television cameras and local online systems, implement a special ICT programme on security for the local residents and conduct Rukun Tetangga patrols.

He said the use of the scheme's funds was based on the concept of matching grants, whereby the residents associations would need to pay 20 to 80 per cent according to the requests of the housing areas and the remaining amount would be come from the scheme's allocation.

"For a start, we will give a maximum funding of RM50,000 only," he said.

Raja Nong Chik hoped the scheme would assist the local residents to improve security for a safe and conducive place to live in.

He said applications could be made through the residents associations to the Federal Territory Foundation at 02-26983073 or the website http://www.yayasanwp.org.