PETALING JAYA, June 29 ― The Security Services Association of Malaysia welcomed the government’s move to screen those wanting to work as guards from September 1, following a series of incidents in recent years.

From that date, candidates must present themselves at the National Registration Department for confirmation of their MyKad through the biometric system, before companies submit their applications for security screening to the ministry and police.

Welcoming the announcement by Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamid, the association’s president, Datuk Shaheen Mira Habib, said it was a good move and a way forward for the industry.

“We have to make sure the guards hired are Malaysians, regardless of whether they are applying for armed or unarmed positions,” he said.

He said the policy would not delay the process of hiring security personnel as the screenings, especially if done in major towns or cities, could be completed within a day.

At present, only Malaysians and Nepali ex-servicemen and Gurkhas are allowed to be hired as guards.  

“Security companies must follow the policy and not undercut the market by hiring illegal guards, just to save cost,” Shaheen said. 

“They must be able to fulfill all ethics and criteria set by the government and the association.”

He urged the public to report to the authorities if they spotted other foreigners working as guards.

“The government has awarded permits to hire 20,000 guards from Nepal. If you see any security personnel who are not from Nepal or Malaysia, please report it to the authorities,” he said. 

Ahmad Zahid said the requirement was necessary following several incidents late last year involving rogue guards.

A security guard shot dead bank officer Norazita Abu Talib after she opened the strongroom of an Ambank branch in Subang Jaya on October 23, 2013. 

Eight days later, an armed security guard robbed a jewellery outlet at the KL Festival City Mall in Setapak.

This resulted in an outcry by the public as reports revealed most guards hired used fake identification documents.