Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are set to install surveillance cameras to prevent the illicit sale of toxic chemicals at Kim Bien Market, often dubbed the ‘market of death.'

The People’s Committee in District 5 is planning to fit some 30 CCTV cameras along several streets surrounding Kim Bien Market to prevent the illegal trade of chemicals inside the notorious marketplace.

During an interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Nguyen Vo Xuan Ky, chairman of the district, said that the surveillance system would help authorities uncover violations and deal with them quickly.

The approach would also encourage local residents and merchants to comply with regulations on the sale and purchase of toxic chemicals, before the marketplace is relocated to a new center in District 8.

The installation of these cameras is not intended to discriminate against sellers of these kinds of products, the official said, explaining that it was aimed at providing an effective tool for authorities to control potential offenses.

It would also be beneficial to local business operations, as the cameras will help officers investigate theft and resolve any threat to social order, he added.

Regarding the plan, the cameras will be installed along four streets around the market.

A survey has been conducted to determine the location of each camera, Chairman Ky stated, adding that local authorities are mobilizing investment from the private sector.

The installation is expected to be completed by the end of June, he said.

All videos will be sent to the control center at the district police department headquarters for the management of security cameras throughout the neighborhood.

“We will discuss and decide which additional streets near Kim Bien Market will be equipped with cameras,” the chairman continued.

In addition, regular inspections will be carried out by officers to manage the sale of chemicals at other locations in District 5.

Competent agencies have recently discovered and penalized merchants who were not following regulations.

Police officers and local inspectors have handled over 70 violations, issuing fines totaling VND606 million (US$26,631) and confiscating 13,000 kilograms of solid chemicals and 3,000 liters of liquid chemicals.

Traders at the market have been urged to switch to the sale of other types of goods or prepare to move their businesses to the new center in District 8.

“We will also call on the market’s managers to preserve the venue for the sale of other types of products rather than toxic chemicals,” Chairman Ky said.

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