KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Dewan Rakyat today passed the Private Agencies (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at improving the process of issuing and renewing licences for private agency businesses.
The bill was approved by a majority voice vote after being debated by 14 Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition blocs.
The amendments to the Private Agencies Act 1971 (Act 27) seek to strengthen the regulation of private agencies conducting security control and private investigation activities in the country.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said private agencies are required to prioritise the hiring of local security guards over foreign workers.
He said that as of today, there are 118,196 unarmed security guards, 4,826 armed security guards, 1,247 personal bodyguards, 36 private investigators and 5,948 depot security guards registered nationwide.
“The Home Ministry emphasises that the recruitment of local security guards is a priority. Agencies must prioritise hiring Malaysians before employing foreigners.
“The recruitment of foreign workers will only be permitted if there is a shortage of local manpower,” he said when winding up debate on the bill.
He added that the ratio for hiring local to foreign security guards is set at 2:1 to safeguard employment opportunities for Malaysians.
Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar said the role of these agencies includes providing services to protect the safety of individuals or property, which differs from the powers vested in the police.
“For the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Section 12 of the Act grants the police authority to enter and search the premises of private agencies suspected of committing offences,” he said.
Earlier, when tabling the bill for its second reading, Shamsul Anuar said Act 27 has never been amended since it came into force, and the proposed amendments are essential to ensure its continued relevance in meeting current industry needs.
Meanwhile, Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN–Rantau Panjang) called for transparency in implementing the digitisation initiatives proposed under the bill and urged the ministry to ensure that internal systems for managing private agencies are not misused.
Echoing similar sentiments, Rodziah Ismail (PH–Ampang) expressed confidence that the Electronic Security Industry Management System (ESIM) will enhance governance and efficiency within the sector.
The sitting resumes tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA
