Private security firms in Malaysia should not take advantage of its security personnel, and instead find ways to draw more people to join the industry, says Malaysian United Security Guard Association (Musga). Its president Mohd Nizam Hamzah said companies, at times, mistreated security guards when carrying out cost-cutting measures.
“We have had reports from members who were not paid overtime. “Some companies even force their employees to live in overcrowded apartments or houses to save on rent,” he said. “Putting them in these types of situations only jeopardises the quality of their service.”
Nizam said the security industry could be made more appealing as a long-term career prospect.
“Many view the job as low-paying with little benefits, so locals are not drawn to it. “The public, too, do not regard security guards as trained personnel, making them an easy target for mistreatment. “But upskilling and providing proper training will build interest in this job sector and create career longevity,” he said.
Nizam added that while the security guard’s job description had widened, the right tools were not given for them to deal with the added responsibilities. “We are required to enforce Covid-19 regulations, monitor illegal parking, conduct patrol and attend to emergencies, all on a basic salary. “But we face the brunt of the public’s anger when they are unhappy with these rules as they cannot take it out on the management,” he said. While he did not deny that some guards were quick to retaliate, he said most of them endured the abuse.
Although some security companies provide some basic training for its workers, this is usually a one-off session, Nizam said. “There is no consistency between the training modules. “The programme must also include de-escalation tactics to decrease incidents of conflicts between guards and the public. “We need a modern training programme that emphasises the use of technology in security and crime prevention,” he said. With over 900 security companies nationwide employing some 170,000 security guards, Mohd Nizam said consistency was key to sustainability in the industry.
