ALL ANGLES COVERED WITH A LICENSED BODYGUARD FROM PIKM

KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- The public is advised to obtain legitimate security and bodyguard services from companies licensed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN).

Security Industry Association of Malaysia (PIKM) president Mohammad Ubaidillah Enam@Iman said the company also needs to have insurance coverage to ensure the welfare of workers in the event of unforeseen incidents.

“PIKM also insists that the Private Agency Act 1971, which is already 53 years old, needs to be amended immediately by the authorities to ensure the existence of orderly guidelines so that all industry players, especially security workers, continue to be protected under this act,” he said.

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In light of the shooting drama (where a personal bodyguard was shot at close range) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on April 14, PIKM suggested that improvements and enforcement by the authorities be taken immediately on the training and certification regime, besides tightening airport security.

Mohammad Ubaidillah said in a statement that strategic cooperation between the KDN, police (PDRM) and PIKM was established in 2016, with all security company bodyguards required to be trained and certified by PDRM.

According to him, what is more important is that individuals appointed as security guards, including bodyguards, must pass security screening by the KDN and PDRM to ensure they are free of any past criminal records.

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In addition, he said Certified Bodyguard (CBG) training and certification is taken as a condition for the renewal of permits to carry and use (C&U) firearms for armed bodyguards.

“This requirement was started in 2018 and so far only 84 bodyguards have been trained and certified by PDRM, however there are some constraints,” he said.

Mohammad Ubaidillah said that there are entrepreneurs in the business of bodyguard-for-hire without a licence from the KDN, especially for customers among them VVIPs or dignitaries and celebrities, and this matter should be monitored by the authorities to take immediate action.

“Confusion arises because not all segments of security services are subject to the Private Agency Act 1971 such as installers and integrators of security systems and bodyguarding.

“It is clear that the (KLIA) incident involved a ‘bodyguard’ who was not certified in accordance with the regulations, as well as the company itself. This serious incident put at risk the lives of the customer (hirer/principal), members of the public and even the bodyguard,” he alleged.

He said from a welfare point of view, bodyguards appointed by licensed security companies are required to provide insurance, contribute to Social Security Organisation (Socso) and other statutory contributions, especially for accident protection while on duty.

-- BERNAMA