Kuala lumpur: The Dewan Rakyat today passed the Private Agencies (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at improving the process of issuing and renewing licenses for private agency businesses.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the bill was approved by a majority voice vote after being debated by 14 Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition blocs. The amendments seek to strengthen the regulation of private agencies conducting security control and private investigation activities in the country.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah emphasized that private agencies are required to prioritize the hiring of local security guards over foreign workers. As of today, there are 118,196 unarmed security guards, 4,826 armed security guards, 1,247 personal bodyguards, 36 private investigators, and 5,948 depot security guards registered nationwide.
Shamsul Anuar stated, "The Home Ministry emphasizes that the recruitment of local security guards is a priority. Agencies must prioritize hiring Malaysians before employing foreigners." He added that the recruitment of foreign workers will only be permitted if there is a shortage of local manpower, with the ratio for hiring local to foreign security guards set at 2:1 to safeguard employment opportunities for Malaysians.
Furthermore, Shamsul Anuar outlined the role of these agencies, which includes providing services to protect the safety of individuals or property, differing from the powers vested in the police. "For the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Section 12 of the Act grants the police authority to enter and search the premises of private agencies suspected of committing offences," he explained.
During the tabling of the bill for its second reading, Shamsul Anuar noted that Act 27 has never been amended since its inception, and the proposed amendments are essential to ensure its continued relevance in meeting current industry needs.
Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang) called for transparency in the implementation of the digitization initiatives proposed under the bill and urged the ministry to ensure that internal systems for managing private agencies are not misused.
Echoing similar sentiments, Rodziah Ismail (PH-Ampang) expressed confidence that the Electronic Security Industry Management System (ESIM) will enhance governance and efficiency within the sector. The sitting resumes tomorrow.