KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry’s proposal to add another source country in the hiring of foreign security guards is timely, says the Security Industry Association of Malaysia (PIKM).

       Currently, only guards from Nepal are allowed to be hired as foreign security guards in Malaysia.

       PIKM president Datuk Seri Ramli Yusuff said the association welcomes the proposal as it would benefit the security industry.

       “The industry will be better for having more than one source country providing foreign security guards.

       “The move is timely as it will lead to a healthier security industry in the long run,” he said.

       Having more source countries will also lead to better competition and ensure only quality guards are brought in, he added.

       “It will give security companies and its clients more choices.

       “The quality of the security industry will also be elevated,” he said.

       Ramli said it is vital to improve the security industry as the guards are considered the nation’s third line of defence.

       “The relevant security agencies are entrusted with national security but security companies and its guards can also assist in the country’s security if called upon.

       “Our members are always ready to play their part,” he added.

       A healthier security industry would also generate more income for the government and the country, Ramli said.

       “The industry generated billions of ringgit in turnover yearly, including about RM757mil in taxes.

       “For example, bringing in Nepalese workers generates income in terms of levy and taxes. This will surely increase with more than one source country,” he added.

       Ramli said PIKM has 903 security companies as its members, employing more than 170,000 security guards.

       “We need foreign security guards as such a job is not appealing to some locals.

       “Certain locals are less inclined to be security guards as it is under the ‘3D’ category of Dangerous, Dirty and Difficult jobs.

       “Furthermore, some clients such as malls and supermarkets prefer Nepalese guards as they are more willing to commit to the job,” he noted.

       Ramli said the association is grateful for the Home Ministry’s proposal to add another source country in hiring foreign security guards.

       “We have been hoping for such news for a long time.

       “We hope it will become a reality,” he added.

       Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin announced that the ministry has proposed that people from Bangladesh, the Philippines and Indonesia be allowed to work as security guards.

       “We will look into it once we have held an engagement with industry players, and the Foreign and Defence ministries” he told reporters after launching a meeting between the Home Ministry and security services industry players yesterday.

       “There were also suggestions to take workers from India as well.

       “We have to conduct an in-depth study before we make any announcement,” added Hamzah.

       He said they have to hold discussions with the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure there would be no issues cropping up later.

       “When it comes to security we must ensure that those who are brought in want to work here.

       “We have to be very sensitive in this issue,” he added.