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The Main Purpose of Security Guard Services

Security guard services play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of individuals, businesses, and properties in Malaysia. The primary purpose of these services is to provide a visible deterrent to potential criminals, ensuring that residents, employees, and visitors feel safe and protected. Security guards perform various functions, including monitoring surveillance systems, conducting regular patrols, and responding to emergencies, thereby maintaining a secure environment.

Ensuring Safety and Preventing Crime

The foremost objective of security guard services is to prevent crime by providing a physical presence that deters potential criminals. Security guards are trained to recognize and respond to suspicious activities, which helps in preventing theft, vandalism, and other criminal acts. Their presence alone can discourage criminal behavior, making them an essential component of crime prevention strategies in both residential and commercial settings.

Emergency Response and Assistance

Security guards are trained to respond effectively to various emergencies, including fires, medical emergencies, and security breaches. They act as first responders, providing immediate assistance and coordinating with local authorities when necessary. This quick response can mitigate damage and ensure the safety of everyone involved. In Malaysia, where businesses and residential complexes can be vast and busy, having security guards on-site ensures that emergencies are handled promptly and efficiently.

Enhancing Customer Service and Public Relations

Besides their security functions, security guards also enhance customer service and public relations. They often serve as the first point of contact for visitors, providing directions, information, and assistance as needed. Their presence helps create a welcoming and secure atmosphere, contributing to the overall experience of customers and guests. In commercial settings, security guards play a dual role of ensuring safety while also assisting in non-security-related matters, thereby enhancing the service quality.

Sources:

Persatuan Industri Keselamatan Malaysia (PIKM)
Private Agency Act 1971 (Akta 27)

Legal Risks and Consequences

Hiring illegal security guards in Malaysia can lead to significant legal repercussions, including fines and legal actions under the Private Agency Act 1971. Employing unlicensed guards can result in civil liability if incidents occur, leading to substantial financial losses and legal complications.

Lack of Proper Training and Qualifications

Illegal security guards often lack the necessary training and qualifications, compromising the effectiveness of security measures. Without proper training, they may be unable to handle emergencies or perform daily security tasks effectively, increasing the risk of theft, vandalism, and other crimes.

Increased Safety Risks

Illegal guards may not undergo background checks, raising concerns about their integrity and reliability. This can lead to increased safety risks, as unvetted guards might engage in illegal activities or collude with criminals, thereby becoming a security threat themselves.

Damage to Reputation and Trust

Employing illegal security guards can damage a business’s or property owner’s reputation, leading to negative publicity and eroding trust among clients and residents. Maintaining a positive reputation is crucial, and any association with illegal activities can have long-term negative effects.

Hiring illegal security guards poses numerous risks that far outweigh any short-term savings. Ensuring security personnel are licensed, trained, and vetted is essential for maintaining a secure and reputable environment in Malaysia.

Sources:
Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA)
Persatuan Industri Keselamatan Malaysia (PIKM)

Check Licensing with MOHA

The Joint Management Body (JMB) must first verify the licensing of security guards through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA). This can be done by checking MOHA’s official website for lists of licensed security companies or contacting MOHA directly to confirm the licensing status of the security provider and its personnel.

Inspect Company Documentation

The JMB should request and inspect documentation from the security service provider. This includes the company’s operating license issued by MOHA and the identification cards for each security guard, which should display the guard’s photo, name, and identification number.

Conduct Background Checks

It’s essential for the JMB to ensure that security guards have undergone proper vetting. This involves requesting evidence of background checks and verifying that the guards have completed necessary training programs and possess valid training certificates.

Regular Audits and On-Site Checks

To maintain ongoing compliance, the JMB should conduct regular audits of the security company and perform on-site checks to ensure that the guards on duty match the provided documentation. Engaging with professional associations like the Malaysia Security Guard Association (MSGA) can provide additional oversight and resources.

By following these steps, the JMB can ensure that the security guards employed are properly licensed and qualified, maintaining a safe and secure environment for condominium properties.