RAs and firms want hires from more countries

KUALA LUMPUR: Resident associations and security providers say it is time the Government eased restrictions on the security sector to allow nationals from more countries to be employed as guards.

Several RAs, when contacted, said Nepali guards were expensive, adding that most of them were also sent for duty at commercial areas.

“Commercial areas tend to pay better than housing areas,” said the owner of a security company, who declined to be named.

“A review will definitely be a good move,” said the operations and marketing manager for another local security company, who also did not wish to be named.

His company employs over 300 guards, both Nepalis and locals.

“The issue of supply has always been difficult for us, but it is even more so now because of the weak Malaysian ringgit. The Nepalis are reluctant to come here because of that, and the pay in the Middle East is also much better,” he said.

“Many people prefer foreign guards because they work better. With locals, we face many performance issues, including a high rate of absenteeism. When they get reprimanded, they quit – they know there is a shortage in the industry.”

Another security firm operations manager, who also wished to remain anonymous, said his ideal ratio would be to have 50% foreign and 50% local guards.

“With locals, the problem is that they work for one to two months, and then disappear,” he said.

“At the moment, we have about 2% Nepalis, and the rest are mostly Sri Lankan and Pakistani.

“What is important to me is to hire someone who came in legally, with no police record, and a background in military or security industry.

“However, we also have to take into account that many retired security personnel are over the age of 60, and so health-wise, there may be concerns.

“I know of many foreigners who want to work in this industry, and I hope the government opens this option to us. If they don’t, it’s like issuing an invitation for robbers to break in.”

For RAs, the main issue is to keep their communities safe.

“At the end of the day, if there is a shortage of guards, we will have to bear the risk of more break-ins,” said Hoh Choo Kim, 61, chairman of the USJ20/ 1-3 RA.

“We welcome guards of all nationalities, as long as they have security or military qualifications and perform well.

“We do not believe in hiring just anybody,” he added.

According to president of the Laman Putra Residents Association Adrian Looi, 43, his community has had very good experiences with its Nepali security guards, to the point that they are trusted with the RA mail, even cheques.

However, he added that the RA was open to properly-vetted guards of other nationalities.