The private security industry in Malaysia needs to be given due recognition as a profession that plays an important role in safeguarding assets, premises, and the community, thereby changing the perception that a career as a security guard is merely a last resort.
That is one of the main objectives pursued by the Malaysian Security Industry Association (Persatuan Industri Keselamatan Malaysia - PIKM) through the organisation of the 2026 Private Security Appreciation Night (Malam Penghargaan Sekuriti Swasta 2026) themed "Wira 24/7 - Heroes 24/7," which brings together industry players to honour the contributions of thousands of security guards who serve tirelessly.
President of PIKM, Major (K) Datuk Muhammad Ubaidillah Enam @ Iman, said that efforts to elevate the profession need to be strengthened so that the community sees the career of a security guard as a job with a future, stability, and full of value.
"We want to elevate the status of the security industry to a higher level so that it is more valued by society.
"Many still consider a career as a security guard as a last resort or lacking in dignity, whereas the truth is that it is a noble profession because they safeguard the safety of the public and the nation's assets," he said to the media.
He hopes the government can consider recognising the Private Security Appreciation Night as an official annual national event as a mark of respect for the contributions of industry personnel who work 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
According to him, PIKM is also committed to continuing to collaborate with the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and related agencies to strengthen the industry through the enhancement of service standards, human capital development, and enforcement against security companies operating illegally.
In the same development, Muhammad Ubaidillah also expressed concern over the sudden increase in several fees and licenses, which are deemed to have a significant impact on the sustainability of the industry.
He said that the overly aggressive price competition among security companies has already put pressure on industry players, while the increase in various fees will only add to the operational burden.
"Excessively aggressive price competition puts pressure on the industry and will ultimately affect the quality of service and the welfare of security guards."
"We also request that the government reconsider the increase in security company license fees and branch fees as it is expected to impact operational costs, especially for small-sized companies," he said.
He also raised the issue of the increase in firearm fees under the Firearms Regulations according to the Firearms Act 1960, which have risen between 100 to 900 percent, thereby adding to the financial burden of security companies.
In addition, he hopes that the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) can establish clearer boundaries regarding the roles of each security organization, including private security guards, RELA, auxiliary police, and other agencies, so that their functions and responsibilities are more organised and complement each other within the national security ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of PIKM, Major (K) Habibullah Dato’ Ahmad, hopes that the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) can consider the proposal for setting a floor price for private security services in Malaysia.
"For a long time, this industry has been facing unhealthy price competition, where some companies offer service rates that are too low, jeopardising the ability of companies to meet financial and legal obligations, including salary payments according to the Minimum Wage Order, contributions to EPF, SOCSO, EIS, foreign worker levies, training, insurance, and compliance with KDN licensing conditions."
"The practice of extreme price competition ultimately affects the quality of service delivery, the welfare of security guards, and the overall image of the industry."
According to him, the proposal for floor pricing is not intended to increase the profits of any party, but rather to ensure that each company operates based on the actual cost of providing services that comply with laws and industry standards.
Meanwhile, PIKM Vice President, Aini Suraya Osman, said the security industry also offers good career opportunities, especially for the elderly who still want to remain active in the job market.
He said that a career as a security guard not only generates a stable income but also has a clear career development path.
"We see from the aspect of career development, this industry opens more opportunities for older individuals who are still looking for jobs."
"This career can guarantee a future and offer a good income," he said.
He said that the majority of security guards in Malaysia consist of those who ensure the safety and well-being of the country are continuously preserved.
