Be good, you are on cop camera

Keeping in check: Konst Wan Mohd Hazwan from the MPV unit showing his body-worn camera at IPD Dang Wangi in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: If you get stopped by a policeman and there is a green light blinking on his left chest, beware – you are on camera!

And there will be no getting away with any hanky-panky.

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After years of planning, police are finally being equipped with more than 7,000 bodycams, better known as Body Worn Cameras (BWCs).

The implementation of the BWCs will be done nationwide in stages, with frontline personnel – the patrol and traffic units – getting priority.

ALSO READ: BWC use must be monitored, say groups

“It started with the police contingents in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on Oct 15 followed by Perlis on Nov 15 and Johor on Dec 10,” said Comm Datuk Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad, Bukit Aman’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director.“So far 2,760 BWCs have been distributed as of Dec 10.

“For other police contingents, the process of registering user IDs for the purpose of check-ins of the use of the cameras is still ongoing,” he told The Star recently.

The full nationwide roll-out for all 7,648 BWCs will be completed by March next year.

“They will be available at 157 district police headquarters and 640 police stations nationwide.

“The distribution of the cameras will prioritise officers and personnel with the Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) and the Motorcycle Patrol Units (URB) as well as those with the department who are conducting crime prevention patrols.

“They will also be distributed to Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department officers conducting traffic enforcement duties.

“BWCs will also be used in other police operations on a case-by-case basis,” he added.

Comm Wan Hassan said a successful pilot run was conducted from June 9 to July 14 at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor police contingents.

The cameras were able to capture all the action of police officers along with their location when they interacted with the public, he said.

“It (BWC use) can elevate the image of the police force and increase people’s confidence in the police. It also improves transparency,” he added.

All those assigned with BWCs will be provided ample training prior to using it, he said.

“The BWCs will also be able to record up to eight hours of audio and video and there is a green light indicator (on top of the device) showing that it is switched on.

“Each user is equipped with a special BWC ID while on duty. Failure to switch on the BWC while on duty will result in disciplinary action,” he explained.

Those wearing BWCs are required to keep them on throughout their shift except during prayers or when going to the toilet.

“The video and audio recordings (from the BWCs) can be used as evidence in an investigation or prosecution.

“It can also protect the police and people from any baseless allegations.

“The BWCs will not only be able to curb wrongdoing and integrity problems among MPV and URB personnel, but also protect them from unwarranted criticism while going about their duties.

“We hope it will increase the integrity of those on duty and curb any possible wrongdoing or misdemeanours,” he added.

Asked if there were plans to expand the use of the BWCs to other police divisions and units, Comm Wan Hassan said plans were in the pipeline.

“However, we will need additional funds make these plans a reality,” he said.

Comm Wan Hassan said the police would move forward with the use of the latest technology in line with modern policing to curb and prevent crime.

“With technology advancing further, police work has become more challenging. I hope the BWCs would be able to improve the integrity of those in the force and increase the ‘feel safe’ factor among the public,” he added.

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A mind outside the brain

 

Proponents say the mind does not exclusively reside in the brain or even the body, but extends into the physical world.

David Chalmers on Extending the Mind Beyond the Brain

THE notion of the extended mind challenges traditional understandings of cognition by suggesting that mental processes are not confined solely to the brain but are, instead, distributed across the brain, body and environment.

This innovative perspective posits that the tools we use, the spaces we inhabit, and the social interactions we engage in are integral components of our cognitive processes.

Rather than viewing the mind as an isolated entity, the extended mind theory encourages us to consider how our surroundings, technologies and relationships shape our thoughts, memories and problem-solving abilities.

At its core, the concept emphasises that cognition is not merely an internal affair but a dynamic interplay between individual mental states and external factors.

This framework opens up a rich field of inquiry into how we think, learn and interact with the world around us.

By recognising the mind’s extension into the external world, we gain new insights into the nature of intelligence and the ways in which we can enhance our cognitive capabilities.

Roots of theory

The extended mind theory draws from a rich tapestry of philosophical thought.

One of the earliest proponents of ideas resembling the extended mind was American philosopher William James, who emphasised the fluidity of consciousness and the importance of external stimuli in shaping mental states.

Additionally, the works of phenomenologists, particularly Maurice Merleau-ponty, highlighted the embodied nature of cognition, asserting that our understanding of the world is deeply intertwined with our physical presence within it.

Andy Clark and David Chalmers’ contribution was particularly groundbreaking, as they introduced the parity principle, which states that if an external entity functions in the same way as an internal cognitive process, we should consider it part of the cognitive system.

This principle challenges traditional notions of mind and body as separable entities, suggesting instead that our cognitive landscape extends into our interactions with the world, including the tools we use and the social contexts we inhabit.

Despite its innovative approach, the extended mind theory has faced scrutiny from various quarters – critics argue that it risks overextending the boundaries of cognition. They assert that while tools may assist cognitive functions, they do not replace or embody them in the same manner as internal mental processes.

Proponents, however, say that cognitive processes can indeed be distributed, emphasising that the relationship between mind and environment is not merely one of assistance but a dynamic interplay that shapes thought itself.

By acknowledging the role of external elements, proponents assert that we gain a more nuanced understanding of cognition, one that reflects the complexities of human experience in an increasingly interconnected world.

By looking beyond the confines of the brain, we can explore the intricate relationships between mind, body and environment, setting the stage for a deeper investigation into the implications of this theory.

Key areas involved

There are three key areas where the implications of the extended mind theory manifest:

> The environment

The extended mind theory posits that cognitive processes are not confined to the brain but are distributed across the individual and their environment.

This perspective encourages researchers to explore how physical spaces, social contexts, and even the material objects we interact with can shape our cognitive abilities.

For example, studies have shown that the arrangement of a workspace can significantly impact creativity and problem-solving capabilities. Environments rich in stimuli can enhance memory recall, while those lacking in engagement may lead to cognitive stagnation.

Moreover, the concept of affordances i.e. how the environment offers opportunities for action, plays a crucial role in shaping our cognitive experiences.

When individuals interact with their surroundings, they engage in a dynamic exchange that influences their thought processes.

This interaction suggests that understanding cognition requires a holistic view that incorporates environmental factors rather than isolating cognitive functions within the confines of the brain.

> Role of technology

Technological advancements have further expanded the boundaries of the extended mind.

From smartphones to wearable devices, technology has become an integral part of our cognitive tool kit.

These tools not only serve as extensions of our memory – storing information we might otherwise forget – but also enhance our problem-solving abilities by providing instant access to vast amounts of data.

Cognitive scientists are increasingly examining how technology modifies our cognitive processes e.g. using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality.

However, this increased reliance on technology raises important questions about cognitive offloading – where individuals transfer cognitive tasks to external devices.

While this can lead to increased efficiency, it may also result in a decline in certain cognitive skills, such as memory and attention.

The challenge lies in striking a balance between leveraging technology as an extension of our cognitive capabilities while maintaining the essential skills that underpin our cognitive health.

> Social interactions

The extended mind framework also emphasises the role of social interactions in cognitive processes, highlighting how collective cognition emerges when individuals collaborate and share knowledge.

Cognitive scientists have found that group dynamics can significantly enhance problem-solving abilities, as diverse perspectives contribute to a richer understanding of complex issues.

Collaborative tools, such as shared documents and online communication platforms, facilitate this collective cognition by enabling real-time exchanges of ideas and information.

These interactions not only augment individual cognitive capacities but also create a shared cognitive environment that fosters creativity and innovation.

Research has demonstrated that groups capable of effectively leveraging their collective intelligence can outperform individuals working alone.

Applications in daily life

External resources we can use include:

> Tools to enhance memory and learning

From simple notepads and whiteboards to sophisticated digital applications, these tools serve as extensions of our cognitive capabilities. For instance, writing down information helps to offload cognitive burdens, allowing individuals to process and retain information more effectively.

Smartphones and tablets provide access to vast amounts of information, enabling learners to engage with content in diverse ways e.g. via interactive quizzes or multimedia presentations.

These tools not only facilitate the encoding and retrieval of information but also support active learning strategies, such as spaced repetition, which can lead to deeper understanding and retention.

> Collaborations to solve problems

When individuals come together, their collective cognitive resources can exceed the capabilminds. ities of isolated Teamwork allows for the poolknowledge, ing of skills and perspectives, resulting in enhanced problem-solving and creativity.

For example, brainstorming sessions leverage the diverse insights of team members, leading to innovative solutions that may not have emerged from solitary thinking. Moreover, collaborative tools – such as shared digital platforms and project management software – create environments where ideas can be easily exchanged, thus extending cognitive processes beyond the individual.

> Mindfulness and environmental awareness

Being attuned to our surroundings and recognising how they influence our thoughts and behaviours can lead to more intentional decision-making.

Meditation and nature walks can enhance our awareness of the relationship between our minds and the external world, enabling us to engage with our environments in more meaningful ways.

We can then create environments – be it through decluttering our spaces or surrounding ourselves with inspiring stimuli – that promote focus, creativity, and mental well-being.

Future direction

The concept of the extended mind has significantly reshaped our understanding of cognition, challenging traditional notions that confine mental processes within the skull.

By positing that our cognitive capacities extend into our environments, tools and social interactions, the theory offers a broader perspective on how we think, learn and interact with the world around us.

This paradigm shift has profound implications not only for cognitive science but also for education, technology, and our daily lives.

One promising direction lies in the integration of technology into our cognitive processes.

Researchers might explore how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and AR, can serve as cognitive extensions, enhancing our problem-solving abilities and decision-making processes.

Future studies could investigate how social networks and collaborative platforms influence group dynamics and collective problem-solving.

By examining the interplay between individual and communal cognition, researchers can better understand how we can harness the power of social interactions to enhance learning and innovation.

Mindfulness and environmental awareness also present fertile ground for exploration.

In conclusion, the theory of the extended mind invites us to reimagine the boundaries of cognition and its myriad influences.

By embracing the extended mind framework, we can unlock new avenues for understanding human cognition, ultimately enriching our experiences and interactions in an increasingly complex world.

By Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar who is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, and a functional medicine practitioner. For further information, email starhealth@ thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

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Jet-set thieves give the slip

 

Caught in the act: A suspect being detained on a local commercial flight for theft recently. — Courtesy photograph

Mid-air heists see cash, jewellery stolen from unwary passengers

PETALING JAYA: Commercial airlines are becoming a hot spot for jet-setting thieves who orchestrate mid-air heists on unsuspecting passengers.

Two weeks ago, two Chinese nationals were fined a total of RM5,700 by the Balik Pulau Magistrates’ Court for stealing over RM5,500 from two Malaysians during a flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur.

This incident is the latest in a series of thefts that have occurred onboard commercial airlines recently.

On Oct 26 this year, The Star reported the arrest of a 49-year-old man from mainland China on suspicion of stealing more than HK$4,300 (RM2,430) from two passengers during a flight from Malaysia to Hong Kong.

ALSO READ: 267 inflight missing item reports lodged at KLIA since 2022 

Recently, during a flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, a male suspect was caught red-handed stealing RM3,000 cash belonging to another passenger.

Apprehended on board, the perpetrator was handed over to the authorities upon landing.

Most of these thefts have gone unreported, as most victims do not realise they have been robbed until long after they have disembarked the aircraft.

On Dec 4, the Hong Kong security chief revealed that thefts on board aircraft bound for Hong Kong almost doubled this year.

According to government data, a total of 169 reports were lodged in the first 10 months of 2024 against 92 recorded in the whole of last year.

What was stolen was mostly cash in various currencies, expensive jewellery, luxury watches and credit cards totalling about HK$4.32mil (RM2.46mil).

A commercial pilot told The Star that these thefts happened quite frequently and were often orchestrated by syndicates.

“These thefts normally occur on Vietnam, Bangkok and China routes, both inbound and outbound,” he said.

“The spate or frequency of these thefts also increases during busy travel periods such as the holiday or festive seasons.”

According to the pilot, the thieves would operate as a team of several individuals, depending on the flight and size of the aircraft.

He said catching them in the act could be difficult, as they would have a game plan.

“First, they would be travelling as separate individuals,” he said.

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“They would also scout potential victims at the boarding gate prior to the flight.”

The crime would normally be perpetrated when the plane was at cruising altitude and once the cabin lights were dimmed for sleeping.

One of the individuals would attempt to retrieve their bag from the overhead compartment and in the process rummage through the belongings of the targeted victim.

Upon making off with the valuables, the person would pass the stolen items to their accomplice at drop-off points such as the aircraft lavatory.

“Because of this, it is difficult to apprehend these criminals,” said the pilot.

“If caught red-handed, they would simply admit that they had mistakenly taken the wrong bag and apologise. If they suspected that the crew had found out that a theft had taken place, they would toss the item away, making it look like the victim had misplaced it.

“In the event that a theft had been confirmed and the suspects were apprehended, the pilot would transmit a message through ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) to the ground station for a security team to investigate and apprehend the suspects.”

For those who have fallen victim to these thefts, the airlines are not considered responsible for the missing valuables or personal belongings.

Those who had travel insurance would also have to provide a police report and a detailed account from the airline to prove and corroborate that the item(s) were indeed stolen during the flight, said an insurance expert.

“Insurers will require solid proof to accept a claim, failing which it will be construed that the loss of the items is due to negligence,” he added.

“If the claim is accepted, the settlement or quantum for the lost items will be based on the policy and coverage.”

Some airlines have already begun taking steps to limit the incidence of in-flight thefts.

This includes making frequent announcements to remind passengers to be mindful of their personal belongings and not to change seats during the flight.

On some flights, cabin lights will be dimmed instead of being turned off to reduce opportunities for theft.

If there are suspected individuals identified by the security team on the ground, a memo will be issued to the crew.

The ground staff will also be instructed to assign these individuals to window seats instead of the aisle seat to restrict their movement.

If there are suspicions that these criminals are on board, the cabin crew will also be instructed to be alert and step up patrols during the flight.

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Heralding the Golden Age of Cryptocurrency

 ■ Presidentelect Donald Trump’s embrace of cryptocurrencies marks a pivotal moment

■ Analysts projecting Bitcoin to reach US$200,000 by end-2025

■ The outlook for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market is overwhelmingly positive, but risks remain

THE cryptocurrency world is buzzing with speculation that bitcoin could reach an unprecedented US$200,000 by 2025. While bitcoin has yet to stabilise around the US$100,000 mark, its meteoric rise in 2024 has emboldened investors and analysts to project a bullish future for the world’s leading digital asset.

Bitwise Asset Management, a prominent voice in the crypto sphere, has described the upcoming year as the Golden Age of Crypto.

According to the firm, the regulatory landscape in the United States has significantly improved following the 2024 US elections. President-elect Donald Trump’s embrace of cryptocurrencies marks a pivotal moment.

“We believe we are entering the Golden Age of Crypto,” Bitwise analysts, led by chief investment officer Matt Hougan and head of research Ryan Rasmussen, state in the group’s report.

Bitwise expects Crypto’s magnificent three – Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solanato – to hit new all-time highs in 2025, with bitcoin leading the rise to trade above US$200,000.

In addition to Bitwise, other analysts projecting bitcoin to reach US$200,000 include Geoff Kendrick, head of crypto research at Standard Chartered, and analysts at Bernstein, led by Gautam Chhugani.

Kendrick forecasts that bitcoin could hit this milestone by the end of 2025, driven by institutional investments in bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFS).

In a recent note, he stated that Standard Chartered’s target of US$200,000 by 2025 is “achievable”, adding: “We would become even more bullish if bitcoin experienced accelerated adoption by US retirement funds, global sovereign wealth funds, or the establishment of a potential US strategic reserve fund.

“We anticipate institutional flows to continue at or exceed the pace set in 2024. Microstrategy, for instance, is ahead of its Us$42bil threeyear plan, suggesting its purchases in 2025 will likely match or surpass those of 2024.”

Meanwhile, Bernstein’s analysts attribute their bitcoin price target of US$200,000 by end-2025 to unprecedented demand stemming from spot bitcoin ETFS managed by leading asset managers, according to media reports.

Trump effect

Essentially, crypto has emerged as a clear winner in the 2024 US elections, giving it a brighter regulatory outlook in the United States, Bitwise notes.

For one thing, Trump has announced plans to create a strategic bitcoin reserve and nominated Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary. Bessent’s earlier comment that “crypto is about freedom and the crypto economy is here to stay” reflects the administration’s pro-crypto stance. The reshuffling of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which has historically taken a sceptical view of digital assets, adds another layer of optimism.

Similarly, Bernstein analysts attribute bitcoin’s rise to Trump’s support for cryptocurrencies. They point out that his plan to position the United States as a global leader in the crypto space and his choice of Paul Atkins, a known crypto advocate, to lead the SEC have bolstered market confidence.

Record highs

Bitcoin has since cooled to below US$95,000 at the time of writing, after reaching an alltime high of US$103,992 earlier this month.

This marks a 141.72% increase year-to-date as of Dec 6, 2024. According to Bitwise, the surge was largely driven by the US launch of spot bitcoin ETFS, which set records with Us$33.6bil in inflows within their first year.

Other crypto assets, including Ethereum and Solana, also posted substantial year-to-date gains of 75.77% and 127.71%, respectively. This performance highlights how cryptocurrencies, led by bitcoin, ethereum and solana, have outpaced all major asset classes in 2024.

Crypto equities mirrored this bullish trend. Companies like Microstrategy and Coinbase saw their shares skyrocket by 525.39% and 97.57%, respectively. In comparison, traditional assets such as the S&P 500 and gold returned 28.07% and 27.65% over the same period, highlighting crypto’s dominance.

Catalysts for next milestone

The factors driving bitcoin’s trajectory towards US$200,000 are multifaceted, Bitwise highlights. The launch of bitcoin

ETFS in 2024 shattered expectations, and Bitwise believes 2025 will see even greater inflows.

“When US spot bitcoin ETFS launched in January 2024, ETF experts forecast the group to see Us$5bil to Us$15bil of inflows in their first year. They passed the higher end of that range within the first six months.

“Since launching, the record-setting ETFS have gathered Us$33.6bil in inflows. We expect 2025’s inflows to top that,” Bitwise says.

Drawing a parallel with gold ETFS launched in 2004, Bitwise notes that ETF inflows typically accelerate in subsequent years.

“The best historical analogy we have for the bitcoin ETF launch is the launch of gold ETFS in 2004. Flows petering out would be unusual,” it explains.

At present, major financial institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and Bank of America have yet to fully embrace bitcoin ETFS.

Bitwise anticipates this to change in 2025, unlocking a wave of institutional investments. “The trillions of dollars these firms manage will start flowing into bitcoin ETFS,” Bitwise predicts.

Risk tolerance

While bitcoin remains the focal point, other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Solana are also poised for substantial gains in 2025. Bitwise’s price targets for Ethereum and Solana are US$7,000 and US$750, respectively.

Ethereum, despite its impressive 2024 performance, has faced competition from fastergrowing programmable blockchains.

However, Bitwise anticipates a “narrative shift” as activity on

Layer 2 blockchains and spot Ethereum ETFS gain traction.

Solana’s resurgence, driven by memecoin mania in 2024, is also expected to continue as serious projects migrate to its network, it says.

Meanwhile, JP Morgan points out that the role of crypto in portfolio construction is mostly a function of risk tolerance.

“Cryptocurrencies are inherently unpredictable: there is little visibility into future price movements and blockchain technology, while exciting, also has few barriers to entry, meaning tokens can become obsolete (and therefore worthless) as new ones enter the market with improved functionality,” the US asset management company cautions.

“As a result, for most investors, any allocation to crypto in a portfolio should be kept both small enough to ensure that even in the event of a significant sell-off it does not derail overall portfolio objectives and well diversified,” it adds.

While the outlook for bitcoin and the broader crypto market is overwhelmingly positive, risks remain.

Regulatory clarity, though improving, is still a work in progress.

The global economic environment, including interest-rate policies and geopolitical tensions, could also impact investor sentiment.

However, the convergence of favourable regulatory developments, institutional adoption and technological advancements positions bitcoin as a strong contender to achieve new heights, potentially reshaping the global financial landscape.

By CECILIA kok cecilia_kok@thestar.com.my

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