MalaysiaGIS.com

Source: New Straits Times

Blaring sirens and flashing lights may not provide security for a vehicle. Apart from acting as a deterrent, the security must be able to indicate - in the event of carjacking or theft - the exact location of the vehicle.

Raptor is a cutting edge automatic security system which aims to facilitate the rapid recovery of stolen or hijacked vehicles, as well as to provide motorists with roadside assistance.

Based on cellular GSM technology and Global Positioning System with a locally develop intelligent control microprocessor, Raptor is complemented by a powerful backend system that allows intelligent vehicle security, monitoring, assistance, recovery and tracking applications.

In a distress situation, Raptor can put motorists in touch with a host of emergency and other services that use the GSM network.

The product harnesses the strength of strategic alliances between Smart-Arms (M) Sdn Bhd, APM Industries Holdings Berhad and Arab-Malaysian Assurance Berhad.

Smart-Arms, which designed Raptor, manages the control centre where all data and information of the vehicle and its driver are located to contact integrated services such as hospitals and medical institutions, the Automobile Association Malaysia and the police.

The company, which received its Multimedia Super Corridor status in March this year, took 18 months to develop the Raptor concept.

Celcom, which acts as the GSM operator for Raptor, leverages Celcom GSM with automatic vehicle location and security system as a platform for the tracking for mobile assets, fleet management and fleet security.

APM Industries is Raptor's automotive system integrator. Its primary role is the integration of Raptor into vehicle electrical and electronic system and in the provision of installation services.

Arab-Malaysian Assurance provides the insurance package and other benefits to Raptor's members and owners, who will enjoy free 24-hour personal accident coverage and a term life assurance policy.

Said Smart-Arms executive director Mohd Nasir Ismail , "We expect a minimum of 50 per cent of the new car owners in Malaysia to have a unit of Raptor in their vehicles by the end of 2002.

"Vehicle theft and hijacking has reached alarming proportions in Malaysia, and concerns over safety have presented an escalating need for better protection".

General Insurance Association of Malaysia claimed an average of 2.3 vehicles were stolen every hour daily in the year 2000.

The locally-made device, launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Putrajaya on Monday, will be available in the market by year end.

Raptor will be retailed at between RM2,500 and RM3,500, subject to product packaging and bundling from the consortium and its other business partners.

APM Industries Holdings managing director Abd Manaf Draman said the affordability of Raptor has drawn the interest of both the local parties and foreign partners.

"Even before it has been rolled out, an agreement has already been signed with Autocar (UK) Pte Ltd in Britain to distribute Raptor.

"The agreement paves the way for further market development as we can leverage our position in Britain to enter the European market worth US1.2 billion (RM4.56 billion) annually. Plans to penetrate the global market are being laid and we are looking to expand our facilitates in order to meet anticipated demands," he added.

Raptor will see advanced utilization of applications like web-based tracking and fleet management by the second quarter of 2002.