New rules for armed guards will increase costs, say security firms

PETALING JAYA: Private security companies, reacting to news of fresh requirements by the Government for armed bodyguards, say the move would result in higher costs to them.

Former Selangor police chief Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah, who runs a security firm, said upgrading skills through training was alright but companies would incur a higher expenditure.

“The present scenario is not right. The duration of training days requires security companies to provide substitute personnel as the companies are tied up with existing contracts,” he said when contacted.

Tun Hisan, who served the police force for 37 years before retiring in 2014, suggested that the Government allow for a minimum fee to be imposed on those who want to employ trained armed bodyguards.

“There must be certain policies in place to regulate clients or big corporations for a minimum payment. Otherwise the pressure will be on security companies because clients’ needs vary,” he said.

Tun Hisan said the duties and scope of responsibility of an armed bodyguard is entirely different from that of a residential security guard.

He added that corporations and private individuals should also only employ armed bodyguards from security companies.

“Otherwise, things will be hard to differentiate and control,” he added.

Chico Force Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Seri Juniur Khoo said guards already had to undergo health checks and further urine checks would burden security firms with higher costs.

“I have sent my armed bodyguards for training in Britain and also got the trainers to come here to conduct further simulation exercises. I do not think it is nec- essary to do much more,” he said, adding that Klang police also vetted his company’s bodyguards.

However, the Security Services Association of Malaysia has come out in support of the proposals.

Its president Datuk Seri Mustapa Ali said the two-tier training for armed bodyguards would ensure that only those qualified would be employed.

“Previously, some companies had their own methods of training, where in some cases former police commandos would conduct the training for private companies.

“But I think this is not proper as the training system is not streamlined, so with this announcement, it would mean a centralised, standard (training) system for all,” he said.

On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that armed private bodyguards must undergo a two-tier training programme to renew their “carry and use” firearms permits starting January next year.

This meant that armed bodyguards must undergo training and be a Certified Security Guard (CSG) before their “carry and use” permits will be considered for renewal.

Firms offering private armed bodyguards will also be required to send their personnel for the training conducted by the police and Home Ministry, so that security firms do not simply rent out weapons to those employed as private bodyguards.