Press Digest: More than 10000 security guard companies in the country are illegal

PETALING JAYA: The hiring of security guards does not guarantee security.

The Security Services Association of Malaysia (SSAM) made a startling disclosure – more than 10,000 so-called security guard companies in the country are illegal.

It said only 754 companies are licensed to provide professional security services, China Press reported today.

It is understood that the illegal security guard companies, which are not regulated, are staffed by mainly illegal foreign workers and even gangsters.

Companies or residents association engaging the services of these illegal companies not only do not have their security guaranteed but also expose themselves to security risks as well as risk losing their properties.

SSAM president Datuk Mustapa Ali said the guards of licensed security services companies have undergone specific training are from good background.

On the other hand, illegal “security outsourcing companies” are not only unlicensed, their security personnel may include people with criminal records or gangsters, he said.

“Many housing developers, contractors and residents associations unknowingly hired these illegal security guards,” he said.

He disclosed that unlicensed guards may be hired at slightly more than half the cost of the legal ones. “For example, a licensed guard may be engaged at the rate of RM7.50 an hour whereas an illegal one can be hired at RM4.50 an hour.”

Mustapa told China Press this when asked to comment on the suspected turf war between rival gangs that left a security guard burnt to dead and six others slashed.

In the incident at 2am last Saturday, the guard houses at three high-end residential areas in Bandar Bukit Raja, Klang, were attacked by armed men.

He said apart from collecting protection money some gangsters also moonlight as security guards.

He urged those wishing to engage security guards to check the background of their companies to ensure that they are legal.

The public can enquire with the Home Ministry regarding licensed security services companies and the quality of services they provide, he said.

Article source: http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1389740