PETALING JAYA: Security personnel from new source countries besides Nepal must fulfil stringent requirements, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

       Currently, Malaysia only allows Nepalis to be hired as security guards.

       The new potential source countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, have been told of Malaysia's stringent requirements, said Hamzah.

       Talks with new potential source countries for hiring security guards have also been initiated, he added.

       "I have spoken to the ministers from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, which shows that they are interested," he said on Thursday (May 26).

       Hamzah also said he wanted to ensure those who are hired are good.

       "They must fulfil certain criteria. Those who want to work as security guards must have experience in the enforcement sector or the security industry back home.

       "The criteria are very stringent because we want to ensure that they are not only in top health but are also aware of laws.

       "We have to train them, we won't just simply take anyone," Hamzah said.

       He also said the country is currently experiencing a shortage of between 20,000 to 30,000 workers, according to figures from the security industry.