The government said Thursday that it would oblige builders to install high-definition security cameras at newly built apartment complexes as of Friday.

According to the Ministry of Land and Transport, new apartments should have surveillance cameras of at least 1.3 megapixels to enhance the security level for residents. So far, cameras of a minimum 410,000 pixels have been required for residential complexes.

Cameras with low-image quality have been blamed for failing to identify suspects and registration number of vehicles involved in crimes, particularly at night. The ministry believes that the new policy of installing high-definition security cameras could prevent crimes and create safer environment for residents.

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)