PUTRAJAYA: Training for security guards and auxiliary police personnel deployed at shopping malls will be enhanced following the shooting at a mall in Setia Alam, says the Home Minister.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry recognises the need to improve training for both groups which was provided by the police, adding that he will speak to the police top brass about this.
“It is time for us to update and enhance the training modules and syllabus to meet current needs for security companies and auxiliary police teams.
“The goal is to ensure more effective security control at business complexes and public areas,” he told reporters after the ministry’s monthly assembly here yesterday.
The shooting incident at the mall on Saturday night sparked panic, prompting shoppers to seek shelter. The gunman, who is still at large, fired four shots at a cleaner after entering the mall, injuring the latter in his legs and buttocks before escaping to another floor where he continued firing additional shots.
Saifuddin Nasution said for such locations, security guards and auxiliary police would undergo police training.
“Given the nature of incidents like these, it may be time to reconsider whether the training aspects should be reviewed to align with potential current threats, especially since these incidents occur in public spaces.
“While the public generally understands that police officers carry out their duties to ensure public safety, business premises operate differently.
“The police conduct regular patrols according to a schedule or omnipresent strategy, but the responsibility given to security companies must be re-evaluated.
“I will instruct my officers to revisit discussions with security industry associations so we can focus on this aspect,” added Saifuddin Nasution.
The minister said the police were prepared to respond to such situations.
“This is evident from how quickly the police responded to the shooting.
“The profiling process was also swift. We not only identified the suspect but also uncovered his criminal record, which includes several offences.
“If the police were incompetent, we would still be struggling, but the reality is that we identified the suspect in a very short time,” he added.
Saifuddin Nasution said firearm ownership remained strictly regulated in the country.
“No citizen can own a firearm without a proper licence. Possessing a firearm without a licence is a serious criminal offence under our stringent laws.
“Some may question why it takes one to two years to obtain a licence... this itself reflects the rigorous vetting process.
“The screening is conducted first by Bukit Aman and then at the Home Ministry level. Since I have been in office from December 2022, I can say that out of every 100 appeals submitted to me, only about three are approved.
“In rare cases, four or five approvals may be granted based on strong justifications – such as individuals needing firearms to protect their livelihoods, like fruit orchard owners in remote areas facing significant threats.
“These cases are carefully reviewed by both Bukit Aman and the Home Ministry before a decision is made,” he explained.
