SECURITY services must be formally classified as an essential service alongside the police force to ensure guards receive proper professional recognition and resources, says Professional Security Services regional manager West Sanjay Kumar Nand.
Making the plea during the public consultation on the review of the Security Industry Act 2010 yesterday, Mr Nand said that private guards were consistently on the front lines during major crises.
“COVID is there, natural disasters is there, everything is there. Our guards are still at the sites. We are still in the field,” he said.
During strict movement curfews, Mr Nand said officers were required to remain active round-the-clock to check on personnel, monitor client properties, and protect closed premises from looting.
“I think the industry should be an essential service permanently.
“So that we will get the recognition we deserve. And, at the same time, we will also get the perks which come along with it, like the training aspect.”
Mr Nand said many commercial clients failed to prioritise security until after a severe incident occurred.
He said property owners frequently relied on basic measures such as lighting and surveillance equipment, which failed to deter intruders who concealed their identities.
“Thieves nowadays cover themselves from head to toe.
“They look at the camera, they wave at the camera, they break things, they take stuff out, they move and they know they can’t be detected because there is no clue.”
