SECURITY services is no longer a job which Malaysians should shun as it has evolved into one of sophistication amidst a growing demand to protect high-value shipments.
According to the director of Listen Security Sdn Bhd in Penang, Aru Sinnasamy, the value of having good security has increased in tandem with the economic growth that the country is seeking yearly.
He said security services are evolving into an area where there is demand, which is why there is a constant need to hire people, especially trained officers.
"It is an area which welcomes retirees from the Armed Forces and police and is not a job which requires one to stand in the sun all day. There is more to it and it is a job which provides satisfaction," said Aru.
Under the Home Ministry's supervision now, there are about 100,000 people registered in the security services sector of which 80 per cent are locals while the rest are foreigners including Nepalese.
Since the massive terror attacks on New York on September 11, 2001 (9-11, the security sector has undergone massive reforms, Aru explained.
Listen has seen a spike in demand for protection of high-value shipments, especially in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, where its headquarters in Batu Maung, is situated.
Aru said that the security industry is also shedding its image as a sector which employs old folks to provide security surveillance and patrols, as it is now an occupation which also uses digitalisation and the latest tech to safeguard the interests of its clientele.
And with the upskilling of tasks and requirements, wages have also risen, especially when productivity is now at an all-time high due to economic needs.
Listen provides multi-task jobs from static guards (unarmed and armed). security systems such as CCTV and alarms, personal bodyguards, private investigation, escorts (armed and unarmed), risk assessments and emergency responders and protocols.
It also lends its expertise to the growing transhipment (logistics) in view of Penang's growth as one of the world's leading hubs for electrical and electronic components.
It now pays its security officers an average of RM3,000 in wages - exceeding the minimum wage requirement of RM1,800 and there is room to increase it further based on the growing demand, said Arul.
"We also provide subsidies and accommodation for some staffers besides healthcare."
There is a need to provide more incentives to entice Malaysians to work in the sector, said Aru.
He hopes that more local workers can consider a career in security, especially in areas of tech where they can provide digitised surveillance and use Artificial Intelligence to analyse the big data available to access threats.
Listen is also working on a public relations outreach to showcase that the security services should no longer be stigmatised as a menial and low-paying job.
"If foreigners are willing to explore this field, I do not see why Malaysians cannot also give it a go," said Aru. - November 12, 2024.
