Marah: Audit security firms to allay terrorism concerns

KUALA LUMPUR: An anti-crime group wants a full audit of all security companies and has urged the authorities to take action against errant firms.

Malaysians Against Rape, Assault and Snatch Theft (Marah) founder Dave Avran said revoking licences and permits was easy but it should not be done only after something untoward happens.

“We need to act to allay the public’s fear of terrorism and militants.

“We have enough laws to ensure foreigners are not hired as security guards, but what is lacking is enforcement,” he said.

Seven Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) militants who were working as security guards were arrested on Sept 14.

The Filipinos were also using fake identification documents to flee southern Philippines to Sandakan, before making their way to Kuala Lumpur.

Avran said special operations focusing on security guards with fake identification like what was done four years ago must be revived.

“We strongly recommend the setting up of a centralised monitoring body and national security guard database,” he said.

In a related development, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun urged all security companies to adhere to regulations and standard operating procedures in hiring guards.

He said thorough background checks and vetting must be conducted to prevent those who threaten national security from being hired as guards.

“The companies must not take this lightly as the ramifications could be dire.

“We were fortunate to detain the suspects before they did anything untoward,” he said, referring to the arrest of the seven suspected ASG militants.

He said among those arrested were weapons experts.

“Militants pose a great danger to national security.

“It is even more dangerous when they are working as security guards as they could have been deployed to sensitive locations,” he said.

Bukit Aman, especially the Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division, will continue to gather intelligence to identify and catch suspected militants as well as thwart any terror plot.

“We will not allow the country to be used as a hideout or transit point for any terror groups. Terrorists will not gain a foothold in Malaysia,” he said.

We will not allow the country to be used as a hideout or transit point for any terror groups. Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun