(Kuala Lumpur, Monday): DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong proposes that the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Bakri formulate guidelines for private security system such as for housing areas. There should be effective measures to monitor security firms.

Dr Tan has received complaints about private security system in residential areas. Making the above proposals, he hopes that the Government look into the laws for private security in the interest of the people.

Crimes in the country are rampant: snatch thefts, rapes, murders, break-ins, robberies and so forth. The people are concerned. Private security system exists. Residential areas employ security firms in the hope that the incidence of crimes falls. Finding unusual activities, security guards inform the police. As long as there are no complaints, the police seem happy to let security guards take over some of their duties.

For example, the media report that some people in the residential area of Jalan Raya, Kepong Garden, beside the Kepong Garden-Bukit Malauri flyover, has formed a Residents' Association which has engaged a security firm. The firm has seven guards to patrol eight roads with 258 houses. The association collects RM150 for every three months from each house. Roads are closed from 9 pm to 6 am, checking identity cards and vehicles at the guard house. It will adjust to complaints from residents.

Some residents have raised the questions: under what circumstance has the Residents' Association been formed? Why has it appointed the particular security firm? What regulations have the guards used to search ICs? Has the Internal Security Ministry ceded some of its responsibility to security firms? The legal status? If any resident refuses to participate in the private system, will he or she be penalised? What is the attitude of the police towards scurity firms and their guards? If a ruthless robber appears, what will these guards do?

The Internal Security Ministry protects and maintains public order, tranquility and national security against any internal threat. It has an annual allocation of over RM3 billion to look after the Royal Malaysian Police. The police safeguard and maintain peace, public order and national security against threat from any elements within or without the country,  that intend to destroy the nation. Under what laws and procedures have the police handed some of its power to private security firms?

As the police is short of personnel, private security guards who can help to reduce minor crimes such as thefts are welcomed. But, the police must formulate guidelines and monitor procedures for private security firms, in order to protect the basic rights of the people.

(31/07/2006)