Saudi Arabia's security measures in the oil, gas, petrochemical, water and electricity facilities are extremely good and accurate, according to a Saudi independent security adviser. While it is true that security and safety procedures are tight at oil and gas sites, these facilities have remained the targets of terrorists and those determined to destabilize the Kingdom, according to Samir Raslan, former director of security of Saudi Aramco and now an adviser to a number of corporate organizations. “There is an extreme need therefore to be always vigilant by knowing the threats and applying the various security technologies in order to prevent and uncover those threats before they are inflicted by bad elements,” Raslan said. He was among the key speakers who addressed the ongoing 2012 Saudi Safety & Security Conference and Exhibition that was formally opened Monday by Prince Muhammad Bin Fahd, Emir of Eastern Proivnce. “Our country has strategic assets, and we should protect these assets by implementing the best technology available and also by knowing the security and safety facilities and resources the country has,” Raslan said. Answering questions on the implementation of the Saher security cameras now mounted in key traffic lights across Eastern Province, Raslan said the region's traffic police department is very serious in educating motorists on observing traffic rules. He said that some of the Saher security cameras in the region are not yet operational. “Within two years all these Saher cameras will be working, and because of this we expect the reduction of traffic accidents and even deaths caused by non-observance of traffic signal lights.” He said that in Riyadh and Jeddah traffic rules at intersections are fully observed. “I felt I was in New York while driving in these cities because motorists in these cities are disciplined in observing traffic lights; but here in the Eastern Province we have yet to fully educate our drivers, particularly the young Saudis who always challenge the accuracy of the Saher cameras that are now mounted on top of traffic signals,” he said. “We are hoping that with these Saher security cameras fully operational all over the Kingdom, deaths due to traffic violations will be lessened. As of now young people, even families, and guest workers are dying on our roads and highways because of reckless driving,” Raslan said. __
