A new report indicates that, despite Home Ministry directives that only registered Nepalese nationals can work as foreign security guards in Malaysia, many security firms continue to hire undocumented immigrants – at least 40,000 nationwide – to maximise profits.
Security Services Association of Malaysia (PPKKM) president Mustapa Ali told Berita Harian that security firms across the country are flouting the Home Ministry restrictions on hiring foreigners as security guards.
Home Ministry data shows that the total number of local security guards approved by and registered with the ministry stood at 168,000 as of November last year. Another 28,000 registered security guards are Nepalese nationals, maing the officiao number 196,000 nationwide.
“However, apart from this offficial figure (196,000), checks by the association found that at least 40,000 foreigners – from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh or even Nepal – are working illegally,” Mustapa said.
According to Mustapa, several private companies or residential area management firms employed security guards on their own, and did not have their hires screened through a licensed security firm – an action that was against the law,
“There is a possibility that the foreign security guards hired privately having criminal records and things could get worse if an untoward incident were to happen.”
He added that a task force comprising of officials from the Home Ministry, the PDRM, the Immigration Department, and the PPKKM has been set up to tackle the issue.
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