Govt sets new rules for private security companies

KUALA LUMPUR: Armed private bodyguards must undergo a two-tier training programme to renew their “carry and use” firearms permits starting January next year.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced this and several other initiatives aimed at improving the private security industry.

He said the new requirements were aimed at helping to prevent misuse of firearms held by security companies and keeping them from being “directed towards terrorism, gangsterism or other activities that threaten public safety”.

Armed bodyguards must undergo training and be a Certified Security Guard (CSG) before their “carry and use” permits will be considered for renewal, he said at a meeting of security companies yesterday.

Companies offering private armed bodyguards will now be required to send their personnel for training by the police and Home Ministry.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said this would ensure that security firms do not just rent out their weapons to those employed as private bodyguards.

He said the public could go to the Home Ministry website to check the status and background of any security services company from Oct 1.

“Also to be implemented in October is random urine testing on security guards by the National Anti-Drug Agency,” he said.

The uniforms, logos and accessories of security guard companies will be gazetted soon to further improve the profession, while Sirim is developing a Code of Good Practices for them.

“We are also looking at calling them ‘security officers’, rather than pak guard or even ‘security guards’,” he said.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said he would be tabling several requests by the industry in Cabinet next Wednesday.

Among them is the standardising of security guard contracts with government departments and agencies to a duration of three years, with the option for an additional two years.

He said the Government was mulling over whether to allow foreigners other than trained Nepalese guards to be employed as security personnel.

Since 2014, 64,085 guards have undergone CSG training, he said.

In Putrajaya earlier, Dr Ahmad Zahid called on students to express their views and opinions, even dissenting ones, to the country’s leadership.

Addressing student leaders at the National Students Consultative Council meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister said the Government was open to ideas and thoughts, particularly from the younger generation, to help it formulate its policies.

“The era of ‘government knows best’ or ‘the government is always right’ is over.

“This Government also welcomes dissenting views and opposing opinions, but they have to be presented with tact and decorum,” he told them.