Aduan Rakyat (Surat Terbuka):
Seruan kepada pihak berkuasa tempatan khususnya MPKlang, JPBD Selangor dan LPHS,
Perkara: Masalah Penduduk dan Komuniti Di Kawasan MPKlang (Bandar Bukit Raja: Semua Taman Perumahan Sekitar Jalan Singgahsana dan Jalan Mahligai)
Kepada YDP Presiden MPKlang yg dihormati,
Ini adalah seruan kita sebagai komuniti setempat kepada pihak berkuasa kerajaan Negeri Selangor khususnya PBT untuk mengambil tindakan sewajarnya ke atas pemajuan skim-skim komuniti berpagar tidak sah yang sedang/telah dijalankan tanpa kebenaran di peringkat perancangan pemajuan ataupun yang telah dijalankan dengan cara lain.
Pihak berkuasa berkenaan seperti Jabatan Perancangan Bandar dan Desa Selangor dan Majlis Perbandaran Klang harus semak samada pemajuan di sini telah dijalankan tanpa kebenaran merancang ataupun secara haram.
Pihak pemaju ketika itu Sime Darby Property telahpun mengesahkan bahawa projek-projek perumahan teres 2-tingkat di sekitar kawasan tersebut bukanlah suatu kawasan pemajuan 'Gated Community'. Jadi kita sebagai pemilik rumah sah tidak terbeli rumah jenis 'gated community'.
Namun selepas satu tempoh masa, semua fasa taman perumahan di sini telah bertukar kepada taman perumahan Gated Community atau telah menjalankan skim komuniti berpagar. Taman perumahan di sini bukannya besar tetapi terdapat banyak skim komuniti berpagar berasingan!
Akibatnya, pelbagai masalah timbul yang telah membebankan dan menyusahkan penduduk. Kita terpaksa membayar yuran bulanan yang tinggi untuk mendapatkan kad akses supaya tidak disusahkan pergerakan kita untuk keluar masuk kediaman. Ramai yang akur untuk menyertai skim mereka kerana tidak mahu famili mereka diganggu walaupun terpaksa dibebani dengan kos sara hidup bertambahan.
Masalah yang dihadapi penduduk di sini bertambah runcing apabila pihak RA yang tidak bertanggung jawab bukan sahaja telah melaksanakan sistem kad akses, mereka juga telah mengarahkan pengawal keselamatan mereka untuk meminta kad pengenalan orang ramai yang tidak menyertai skim berpagar mereka.
Ini adalah kediaman harta awam - kita sebagai rakyat yang membayar cukai berhak menggunakan jalanraya awam di sini pada bila-bila masa. Tetapi semua pihak RA di sini telah melaksanakan skim komuniti berpagar mereka seolah-olah seluruh kawasan ini adalah kawasan harta persendirian.
Selain daripada menghalang jalanraya awam, mereka juga telah membina penghalang /pagar haram di kawasan-kawasan tertentu yang menghubungkan taman kanak-kanak dan rekreasi lain seperti gelanggang bola keranjang dan sebagainya.
Malangnya fasiliti awam ini tidak dapat lagi digunakan oleh penduduk dan komuniti sekitar kerana pintu aksesnya telah dikunci. Hanya segelintir penduduk yang boleh menikmati kemudahan-kemudahan tersebut. Mananya hak saksama dan hak kita?
Pintu pagar kecil yang dikunci juga menyebabkan anak-anak kecil yang ingin ke sekolah tidak dapat menggunakan jalan pintas tersebut. Yang pelik dan tidak adil ialah, hanya golongan tertentu sahaja yang boleh menggunakannya sebab mereka mempunyai kunci mangganya.
Mananya hak saksama dan hak kita semua? Skim berpagar di sini telah menimbulkan banyak sengketa dan pertikaian di antara penduduk dan telah menjejaskan keharmonian dan kesejahteraan komuniti.
Ini bukan harta persendirian. Kenapa taman perumahan di kawasan pengelolaan MPKlang boleh menjadi sedemikian? Banyak akta di bawah Akta Perancangan Bandar dan Desa 1976 telahpun dilanggari. PBT kena semak semula akta-akta tersebut samada pemajuan ini dijalankan mengikut kaedah-kaedah dan saluran yang betul atau tidak.
Rasanya semua fasa taman perumahan di sekitar kawasan tersebut telah menjalankan pemajuan skim komuniti berpagar tanpa permohonan, kebenaran atau kelulusan yang mengikuti kaedah-kaedah ataupun saluran yang betul.
Harapan kita ialah Tuan Yang Di Pertua Presiden MPKlang menyiasat dan mengambil tindakan-tindakan yang sewajarnya kerana ini adalah masalah yang amat serius. Kita tidak boleh lagi membiarkan mereka bermaharajalela dan menjalankan aktiviti mereka sesuka hati tanpa peduli ke atas kedaulatan undang-undang.
Kerajaan tolong hapuskan wabak GnG haram yang berleluasa ini dengan kejujuran dan ketekunan.
Sekian, terima kasih
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Skim komuniti berpagar jenis "formal" dan jenis "tidak formal" adalah tidak sama. Pelaksanaan kedua-dua jenis skim komuniti ini harus dibezakan. Komuniti berpagar formal adalah skim yang lebih senang diurus kerana ia adalah sejenis skim perumahan swasta yang memiliki hakmilik stratanya sendiri.
Disebabkan bukan ramai orang yang tahu sangat tentang perbezaan ini, pihak RA yang korup telah mengambil kesempatan untuk melaksanakan skim berpagar di kediaman awam yang menyalahi undang-undang.
Pelbagai kesalahan dilakukan seperti menghalang kenderaan, jalanraya awam dihalang, permintaan dokumen pengenalan seperti MyKad dan Lesen Memandu oleh pengawal keselamatan, penggunaan kad akses automatik yang dilarang dan sebagainya.
Akibatnya kesejahteraan, keharmonian dan perpaduan penduduk dan komuniti sekitar terjejas dengan teruk.
Walaupun kediaman yang dimaksudkan ini bukan jenis harta persendirian atau hakmilik strata, namun pelbagai skim kawalan tidak formal telah dilaksanakan oleh pihak-pihak tertentu, dan walaupun ianya merupakan skim tanpa sebarang unsur paksaan, ramai penduduk masih membayar untuk menyertai skim kawalan di kediaman mereka atas ketakutan dan sebab-sebab tertentu yang lain. Dan walaupun mereka membantah, mereka tidak berani mengeluarkan suara.
Ini semua telah menimbulkan perbalahan dan sengketa di kalangan penduduk dan komuniti. Nampaknya ada pihak-pihak tertentu yang tidak hiraukan undang-undang sediada. Jadi, apa telah terjadi kepada "Rukun Negara - Kedaulatan Undang-Undang?"
Kita sebagai rakyat prihatin yang sayangkan negara ingin menyeru kepada kerajaan terutamanya kepada pihak berkuasa di Selangor supaya mengambil tindakan ke atas skim-skim berpagar yang "tidak formal" terutamanya di daerah Klang dan Setia Alam yang tidak mengikuti syarat, garis panduan dan menyalahi undang-undang.
Masalah ini telah berlarutan kian lama dan pihak berkuasa yang berkaitan sepatutnya lebih prihatin dalam menjaga kebajikan dan kepentingan rakyat jelata secara umum, bukan kepentingan golongan tertentu. Hak semua warganegara harus dipelihara.
Komuniti di taman-taman perumahan (rumah teres 2 tingkat) di sekitar Selangor telah di belenggu oleh wabak GnG haram yang berleluasa dan penduduk sekarang sedang mengeluh menghadapi pelbagai masalah seperti halangan jalanraya awam, menghalang kenderaan daripada keluar masuk, penggunaan sistem kad akses automatik yang tidak dibenarkan, kesalahan daripada permintaan MyKad atau lesen memandu oleh pengawal keselamatan, pengambilan pengawal keselamatan yang tidak berlesen untuk bertugas dan sebagainya.
Skim berpagar yang formal atau sahih patut hanya dibenarkan di kediaman swasta atau strata yang eksklusif sahaja, bukan di taman-taman perumahan umum di bawah PBT.
Cadangan kita ialah hanya skim Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) dan Skim Rondaan Sukarela (SRS) dibenarkan di taman-taman perumahan di bawah PBT seperti yang dipromosikan semula oleh pihak kerajaan pusat baru-baru ini.
Kita kena wujudkan amalan-amalan nilai-nilai murni di kalangan masyarakat seluruh Malaysia untuk perpaduan nasional menerusi kedaulatan undang-undang Rukun Negara. Ini juga merupakan aspirasi, pelan dan dasar perpaduan negara 2021 -2030.
Syarat ketat yang dikenakan ke atas skim komuniti berpagar yang tidak formal oleh semua majlis bandaraya /perbandaran di Selangor seperti MBSA, MBPJ, MPK dan MPS adalah tepat sekali dan patut dipuji. Ada sebabnya mengapa semua majlis perbandaran /bandaraya di Selangor telah membuat keputusan ini. Ia dibuat setelah mengambil kira semua faktor termasuk pendapat komuniti secara keseluruhan dan bukannya hanya daripada golongan tertentu sahaja.
Sebagai pihak berkuasa yang bertanggungjawab dan prihatin, dan setelah kajian secara mendalam telah dibuat, pihak majlis telah memutuskan perkara ini. Pujian harus diberi kepada semua pihak majlis tersebut kerana dapat membuat keputusan yang tepat, adil dan berkepentingan komuniti secara holistik.
Perpaduan masyarakat juga diberi penekanan selain daripada melindungi hak semua penduduk dan komuniti. Keputusan ini juga telah dibuat bagi mencegah golongan tertentu atau pihak yang korup daripada mengambil kesempatan atas nama keselamatan komuniti.
Harus diingat bahawa skim komuniti berpagar tidak formal ini BUKAN suatu 'G&G' yang mempunyai kelulusan rasmi. Ia hanya wujud sekadar skim tanpa paksaan selagi ia tidak menimbulkan masalah kepada komuniti atau sengketa diantara penduduk.
Pengawal keselamatan di semua kediaman (bukan-persendirian) tidak dibenarkan menghalang kenderaan keluar masuk dan mereka tidak dibenarkan meminta dokumen pengenalan orang awam. Sistem kad akses juga tidak dibenarkan kecuali di kediaman atau premis persendirian sahaja. *(Sila rujuk kpd Garis Panduan Majlis dan Pekeliling drp KDN).
Sekian, terimakasih.
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The Differences Between GC Scheme and GN Scheme
This website compiles all the related information and articles on Gated Community (GC) Scheme ... and Guarded Neighbourhood (GN) Scheme, for your information.
Know the difference between 'GATED COMMUNITY' (GC) ...and 'GUARDED NEIGHBOURHOOD' (GN) schemes in Malaysia.
Now let us go into the details. There are only 2 types of schemes available - Gated Community (GC) scheme ... and Guarded Neighbourhood (GN) scheme. A "Gated & Guarded" (GnG) Community scheme is basically a "Gated Community" (GC) scheme.
All "Strata" title developments will have to implement a "Gated Community" (GC) scheme to manage all its shared facilities, security and common areas under the Strata Title Act 2007. (An example here would be "Eco Ardence", which is also classified as a "private property" residence).
Normally, only Strata title developments (that comes with clubhouse, swimming pool, carpark and other shared facilities) which are categorized under "private property" can apply for a Gated Community (GC) scheme.
However, in a "non-strata" title development ("Individual" title) property/ residence, if the RA wants to implement a "Gated Community" (GC) scheme, then it has to apply from the Land Office to change its land status to "Strata" title first.
The implications here will be serious and detrimental to all its residents - all maintenance works (such as garbage collections, drains, roads, landscape, streetlights, etc) will stop, and no longer come under the responsibility of the local council MPKlang.
These facilities and services will then have to be privately funded and managed by the RA as if it is a "private property". (MPKlang will not render its services to "private property" residences.)
(All Sime Darby Bandar Bukit Raja double-storey link houses here are categorized as "Individual" title properties. They are also categorized as under "public property"). Therefore, no Gated Community" (GC) scheme can be implemented here legally.
In actual fact, all "Individual" title developments (like ours here in Bandar Bukit Raja) can only apply to implement a 'Guarded Neighbourhood' (GN) scheme via their RA obtaining the necessary consent and approvals from the Local Council and the District OCPD, to hire private guards to patrol their residence.
We hope that upon reading and digesting the contents here, you would be better informed and would make the right decisions for all your neighbours. Right now the residents concerned have very little awareness or knowledge on this issue. Know your rights. We have to put a stop to this unscrupulous practice right now.
Anyway, we are beginning to see that there are more residents who are rising up against this sort of scheme. They are beginning to realize and aware that this is nothing more than a money-making scam in the name of "neighbourhood security". There are more residents who are against these than you know.
Despite the ongoing schemes around the neighbourhood, crooks were still able to penetrate into the residences and break into houses. Stopping cars at the guardhouse won't prevent any thief (burgler/ burglers or robbers) ...from sneaking in on foot or climbing over the fence from multiple compromised locations!
Anyways, if you happened to be one of the unfortunate residents whose house being broken into and things stolen, the RA is not going to compensate you one sen even though you subscribe to their scheme. (In insurance, if you pay the premium you get to claim). Is this fraud or what?
To all home owners/residents of landed properties (Non-Strata title), do not be fooled by your RA into joining any of the above mentioned schemes blindly. They cannot force it upon you.
Fyi, the RA make more money than the Municipal Council. The amount paid by each household to their RA far exceed the "Assessment Fees" and "Quit Rent" payable to their local council!
The hiring of "security guards" is also questionable. Most of the rules and regulations (including the need for Tapisan Keselamatan) on the hiring of security guards are NOT followed. (SYARAT-SYARAT LESEN DI BAWAH SEKSYEN 3 AKTA NO. 27/71 UNTUK MENGURUS AGENSI PERSENDIRIAN KAWALAN)
To all other home owners/residents of Bandar Bukit Raja, please DO NOT be fooled by your RA into joining the scheme as this entire development is NOT categorised as a "Gated and Guarded Community". Do not subscribe to illegal schemes!
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GATED COMMUNITY (GC) vs GUARDED NEIGHBORHOOD (GN)
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government, through the Town and Country Planning Department, has come up with a guideline for Gated Community and Guarded Neighborhood. This guideline, approved by the Cabinet and the Majlis Negara bagi Kerajaan Tempatan on 28 July and 2 September 2010 respectively, will be tabled at individual State Planning Committee for adoption and implementation at the state level.
The table below is a summary of the differences between a Gated Community (GC) and Guarded Neighborhood (GN).
| Gated Community (w/Strata Title) | Guarded Neighbourhood (w/ Individual Title) |
| Definition: A group of residents or community living within a gated and guarded residential area, be it high-rise property such as apartment, condominium or townhouses or landed property such as bungalows, terrace or semi-detached houses with strata titles.
| Definition: A partially or fully controlled area in existing or new housing schemes with individual land titles. The schemes provide security with or without guardhouses. Cannot place physical obstacles on the roads and stop residents and the public from exiting and entering the areas.
Thur, 14 Oct 2010 |
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KUALA LUMPUR: Residents in guarded communities are being forced to pay protection money – to their security guards.
Many of these guards are nothing more than gangsters who are legitimising their protection racket under the guise of providing security. Residents are effectively paying to protect themselves from those who stand guard.
Even the Security Services Association of Malaysia (PPKKM) admits that many of its member companies are backed by gangs.
Several residents associations (RAs) in Klang Valley are trapped with the gang-linked thugs or ex-convicts as guards. Office bearers of some RAs claimed they were forced to continue hiring these companies after being threatened that gangsters would cause problems if their services were terminated.
There have also been cases of fights between rival groups vying for the security business. The most recent case involving a turf war among gangsters in Bandar Bukit Raja, Klang had left one security guard dead and six others injured.
A representative of an RA, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said many associations were enticed by gang-linked companies because of the low rates. “They charge about RM4 or RM5 an hour. But later we find that these guys are not even trained. Some come to work drunk,” he said.
Another RA committee member claimed that fights had broken out at her gated community’s guard post.
An RA chairman said when his neighbourhood was being patrolled by a suspected gang-linked company, houses of those who did not pay were frequently broken into.
A security industry veteran, who handles several RA contracts in the Klang Valley, said his clients found it difficult to get rid of gang-linked guards.
“One RA asked me to take over from a gang but I declined. No one dares to take over from a gang, it is something we don’t want to get involved in,” he said.
He said gang-patrolled neighbourhoods were on the rise in Klang, Rawang and some parts of Subang Jaya and Lembah Subang, with about RM2,000 from each housing area.
“If they control many areas, the profits are big. That’s why gangs expand their territories and end up clashing with rivals for control,” he added.
He said there was no certain way for an RA to check if a company had underworld backing or not, as most are operated under the licences of bigger security companies.
Community Policing Malaysia (CP) founder Kuan Chee Heng said RAs should vet potential security providers with the police to avoid paying protection money to the gangs.
NATION
By Nicholas Cheng
Monday, 18 May 2015
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation
Related stories:
‘About 40 member companies backed by gangs’
Act to be amended to rein in security industry
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This might not be the right residence for you
For those residents who feel insecure without having a gated community (GC) scheme in your neighbourhood, then it is not the right residence for you. It is better that you move to a Strata-titled and proper "Gated & Guarded" (GnG) residence like "Eco Ardence" or "Eco Park".
You and your family would feel much safer and secure in such "Strata title" private properties which are also gazetted as Gated Community (GC) by the Local Authorities and Council.
Please do not try to implement a Gated Community (GC) scheme in a non GC neighbourhood.
Please do not try to apply from the Land Office to change the land title from "Individual" title to "Strata" in order to implement a GC scheme. Because this will mean that all maintenance works (such as rubbish collections, drains, maintenance of roads, landscape, streetlights, etc) will no longer be handled by the local council.
Please do not consent or try to form a Residents' Association (RA) to implement a Gated Community (GC) scheme in a non-gazetted GC neighbourhood here.
Please do not implement illegal automated card access system which is prohibited by all local councils in Selangor (unless you have 100% consent from the residents).
Please do not set up any illegal barriers to block any public roads or access to any public parks or children's playground.
Please do not consent or condone to such illegal schemes. You cannot implement a GC scheme legally in a Non-Strata titled neighbourhood.
Please do not leave the security of our neighbourhood to "private security guards" hired by the RA. Please do not erect any guard house or fencing without proper consent and permission from the local authorities.
We rather trust our local police (PDRM) than the "security services" hired and implemented by the RA. The security and safety of our neighbourhood lies beyond the capability of any RA.
And for those residents who think that non-paying residents are like "parasites", then those who consented to these illegal schemes in the first place, are like "the biggest tumour any cancer has ever seen". (The tumour needs to be cut away and removed before the cancer spreads).
Even though stringent guidelines have been published by the relevant authorities, residents have been bullied or taken advantage of by some unscrupulous residents associations (RAs), some believed to be linked to syndicates. Providing "security services" seems to be very lucrative and easy money for these gangs.
This looks like a classic case of unscrupulous people trying to take advantage of the situation or trying to profit from people's lack of information/knowledge.
Residents were being told to set up their own RA to implement Gated Community or Guarded Neighbourhood (GN) scheme even before checking with the local district police OCPD (PDRM) on whether their residence sits on an identified "high crime zone" or not.
The implementation of such schemes have been highly questionable including the laws and legality of it, guidelines, getting the consent and approval from the authorities, the monthly fees, the hiring of qualified licensed guards, using card access system which is prohibited, and the barring of non-paying residents from entering (harassing, bullying and coercing the non-paying residents into paying).
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Zero objection requirement for gated & guarded applications in Selangor
Klang Municipal Council president Datuk Mohd Yazid Bidin, who confirmed receiving the circular, said the new ruling would be implemented in Klang with immediate effect.
Under the new ruling, Yazid said approval could be given to applications with 100% consent from residents from a particular area.
Even if there was one objection from a resident, he said the council would not process the application.
New applications for gated and guarded communities in Selangor will only be considered provided there is no objection from any of its residents.
The State Housing Board sent out circulars to all 12 local authorities on the new ruling.
The new ruling is with immediate effect following a change in policy by the Selangor state government, which earlier granted approval for gated and guarded applications based on 85% consent.
“However, the council will take the gesture of silence from the residents as consent,” he said, adding that it was up to the residents associations and property owners to sort it out.
Yazid said all the pending gated and guarded applications from various parts of Klang would be put on hold and the applicants would be required to meet the new criteria. However, he added the ruling for guarded communities remained at 85% consent from the residents.
"I hope the residents associations will comply with the new ruling,” he said.
METRO NEWS
By Elan Perumal
Friday, 31 Mar 2017
https://www.thestar.com.my/
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2017/03/31/zero-objection-requirement-for-new-gated-and-guarded-housing-applications-in-selangor/#isMCqU4KRHSHWCf2.99
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New gated rules in Shah Alam - 100% agreement for auto gates
THE Shah Alam City Council’s (MBSA) amended guidelines for the gated-and-guarded scheme is aimed at streamlining the process and avoiding confusion.
Among the new stipulations is 100% approval from residents for automated gates and access cards. Approval for manual boom gates is 75%. Barricades, which must be removable, are only permitted between midnight and 6am.
A guard has to be on duty by the barricade at other times in the event of an emergency. Security guards are also not allowed to take away the driver’s MyKad or other documents. Fencing is also not allowed unless the area is located near a highway, road, river or monsoon drain.
The amended guidelines are based on the state government’s recommendations, which were sent to 12 local councils.
Shah Alam city councillor Foong Saik Hoong said the guidelines were meant to resolve or avoid untoward issues.
In recent years, the issue divided residents in existing neighbourhoods over the implementation of the gated-and-guarded scheme with local councils being trapped in the middle.
“The conflict often happens with individuals who have personal agendas. “For it to work, residents associations (RAs) need to be united,” pointed out Foong,
“If there is a need to fence up the area, residents will have to apply to change the land status to strata but this means all maintenance work will be their responsibility instead of the council’s,” said Foong, adding that this would comprise road maintenance and rubbish collection.
Foong pointed out that some stipulations in the amended guidelines conflict with federal law such as the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 Section 46 that do not allow temporary buildings or obstructions without approval. This would include guardhouses and posts but they are allowed in the state-approved guidelines.
The amended guidelines require that submissions for approval be made to the One-Stop Centre (OSC) as well as the Planning Department for the guardhouse, speed breakers, boom gates and road excavation works.
“This way, there will be no illegal works that might pose a problem later,” said Foong. RAs will also have to apply for a temporary occupation licence (TOL) from the land office for their guardhouses.
There will also be a one-off payment of RM400 for the guardhouse per application which was not imposed previously. There is no requirement to obtain a certificate of completion and compliance (CCC) or certificate of fitness (CF) for the structure.
RAs will also not be allowed to block any road permanently or remove pavements to redirect traffic. Foong said approval for the guarded schemes was previously valid for two years but it has been extended to three now.
Some RAs expressed concerns about the amended guidelines, saying it may be tough for them to comply with. Bukit Kayangan Residents Association president Datuk Helmi Daud said there was no way a neighbourhood could get 100% approval from residents. “Getting 75% approval is already difficult, so we had to come up with an alternative solution,” he added.
Helmi said they hired guards who patrol around the neighbourhood from 7pm to 7am but had no guardhouse. The authorities, he added, should have consulted the RAs before implementing the guidelines. Kota Kemuning Residents Association president Allan Lee said 100% consent is too strict.
“It would only take one resident to stall all RA initiatives,” he said, adding that the strict guidelines made it seem like the authorities did not care about residents having a safe environment to live in. Lee said most RAs are run by volunteers who may not have the time and resources to fulfil all the stringent requirements.
METRO NEWS
By Priya Menon
Friday, 7 Jul 2017
https://www.thestar.com.my/
TAGS / KEYWORDS:
Central Region , Security Guard , Gated And Guarded , Shah Alam
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2017/07/07/new-gg-guidelines-for-shah-alam-local-authority-bases-rules-on-states-recommendation-but-ras-say-it/#xLcdABUR6suHwDuE.99
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Gangsters fighting over turf for "security services"
SECURITY companies provide the service of securing business premises, housing estates and other places, seeking to deny entry to trespassers. Reports of late, however, indicate that they are not what they make themselves out to be.
The recent attack on security guards in Bukit Raja, Klang, where one fatality was recorded and several others were injured, is just the tip of the iceberg. According to police, the motive behind this incident could be gangsters fighting over turf.
This is not the first time security guards have been attacked with the intention of intimidating residents, giving residents the impression that the security company they hired is incompetent. The result is a changing of the guards, so to speak.
The inspector-general of police, meanwhile, in relation to the recent attack, urged the public not to be pressured by gangsters offering security services, but instead, report the matter to the police.
It is strange how there is a sudden proliferation of guarded communities in many neighbourhoods in the Klang Valley. Could it be that the upmarket “gated community” concept has snob appeal and is being emulated more for prestige than fighting crime?
Malaysia has always been a peaceful country where restrictions on movement imposed by fear is alien. Even the police have undertaken a low-profile approach to community policing, except at certain times of the year when the “balik kampung” phenomenon leaves empty urban homes at risk of being broken into and roads become more dangerous than usual.
Or, is it a case of gangsters creating an atmosphere of insecurity ripe for their picking? That is, the protection racket has been honed to perfection: pay the crooks protection money by way of hiring their unregistered companies. In short, racketeering has taken a legitimate veneer.
The home minister said that licensed companies have been bought over by triads and criminals under the cover of which crimes are organised. This was confirmed by the inspector-general of police and the Security Services Association of Malaysia.
Whatever the answer, the security industry is, without a doubt, booming. However, the incidence of crimes committed by security guards themselves are of urgent concern, like the murder of an AmBank officer two years ago by an illegal foreign security guard, who robbed the very bank he was hired to protect. Soon after that incident, the authorities promised a clampdown to ensure all security companies are licensed and their guards legal and risk-free.
These companies were expected to submit their employees for police screening and training. The police have made themselves ready but the companies are shying away.
More terrible is the number of unregistered companies plying the trade, hiring any Tom, Dick and Harry as guards. Indeed, these men should be tracked down, but why hire them in the first place?
Fear is no excuse. Residents can come together and, with the help of the police, keep neighbourhoods safe. The Rukun Tetangga, when properly organised, can act as a 24/7 neighbourhood watch.
NST
April 22, 2015 @ 12:00pm
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Illegals caught working as security guards
Illegal foreign workers are all over the country, especially in housing areas, including the residences of the elite group.
This is because high-end housing areas will employ security guards, most of them foreigners, to monitor and patrol the neighbourhood.
Selangor Immigration Department director Mohamad Shukri Nawi said his officers conducted a joint operation with the Home Ministry to check on foreigners working as security guards.
The operation was carried out at five premises around Petaling Jaya and Batu Caves on Wednesday.
Out of the 24 individuals screened, eight were found to be foreigners and working illegally. They comprised four Nepalese, three Indians and a Myanmar national.
Mohamad Shukri said the operation was focused on hot spots, gated and guarded communities, including apartments and condominiums.
“We will conduct operations from time to time through our own intelligence, information and complaints from the public.
“Even high-end housing areas will be checked because there are foreigners who work as security guards.
“Among the offences committed by them include not having proper documents, misuse of social visit passes, no valid work permit or one that has expired, as well as falsification of documents,” he said.
The cases are being investigated under Section 6(1)(c), Section 15(1)(c) and Section 56(1)(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963, as well as Rule 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
On Thursday, The Star reported that living in gated and guarded communities may not ensure safety and security.
Six houses belonging to residents of USJ Heights in Subang Jaya were broken into in a span of five months.
When asked on the matter, Mohamad Shukri said police would investigate criminal cases while Immigration would monitor illegal foreign workers to see if any immigration offences were committed, especially in housing areas.
“We also act based on reports and complaints from the local community. If they suspect something is amiss among the security guards in their areas, they can always lodge a report.
“Residents should provide us with accurate information, especially their housing address, so we can act promptly,” he said, adding that only Nepalese were legally allowed to work as foreign security guards in the country.
NATION
By Iwan Shu-Aswad Shuaib
Saturday, 8 Sep 2018
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation
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Don’t let your guard down
More and more housing areas in the Klang Valley are adopting the gated and guarded security scheme in view of the rising crime cases. Once the residents association worked out the details, a guardhouse is built, the entry-exit points are closed, security guards are stationed at strategic points and residents are issued car stickers.
While putting aside the debates on the legality of such schemes (it is prohibited to obstruct public roads under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974), the legitimacy and efficiency of the guards employed are worth exploring.
Those who are against the gated and guarded security scheme say they are not convinced that their areas would be safeguarded by laymen donning the security guard uniform.
Their worry is not without basis. Kuan Chee Heng, who is the founder of a community policing website (http://cops.org.my/), said some of the security companies do not have proper licences. “As far as I am concerned, there are about 400 licensed security companies as of February this year.
“They must be issued Licence 2 (a) under the Private Agency Act 1971 to provide personal guard and protection for the safety of somebody else or safety of property or other people’s business,” he said. Even if the company has a licence, most of the guards are untrained and thus not be allowed to work as security guards.
“The Home Affairs Ministry only allows locals and Nepalese to work as guards, but one can see foreigners like Bangladeshis, Pakistanis and Indians in the housing areas now. “They may be illegal or legal foreigners who have come into the country using working permits for other jobs,” he said.
The reason they take up jobs as security guards instead of those stated in their permits is because the salary may be higher. However, their salary will still be lower than the locals or Nepalese.
Kuan claims the foreigners have taken a step further by setting their own group and soliciting money from residents in exchange for their “security services”. “They do not have proper uniform, just reflective vests over their clothes,” Kuan said.
To prove his point, Kuan took StarMetro for a drive around Puchong and Serdang in search of the gated and guarded housing areas. In Taman Lestari Putra, we spotted a Pakistani man, who appeared to be in his late 20s, riding a motorcycle in his uniform.
We asked what kind of work permit he is holding and he replied, “Ladang (plantation).” Kuan then enquired about his employment. “I work for a security company, but if you can help, I want to start my own company,” he said.
We also visited a neighbourhood in Bandar Puteri Puchong where the Indian guard could no converse with us properly due to language barrier.
Kuan pointed out the danger of hiring foreigners as security guards – not only that they are not accustomed to our laws and culture, they cannot make police reports on the crime incidents and testify in court.
“They are not supposed to be working as guards, so naturally they wouldn’t appear in front of the authority. “Even though they are witnesses of the crime cases, they cannot give their statements to the police,” he said.
This, coupled with the fact that they are untrained, proved that foreign security guards cannot provide proper protection to the people who employ them.
In fact, some local guards, like the ones serving a residential area in Bandar Kinrara, admitted that they did not undergo training before working as a security guard.
“I once asked a guard why he didn’t call 999 when a fire happened, and he said his mobile phone did not have any credit left. “If he had been trained, he would know that he can make emergency calls under such circumstances,” Kuan said.
The effectiveness of the security service is often questionable. Most sit at the entry-exit points of housing areas and salute just about everyone who drives in. Some guards also appear to be frail and old, thus unfit to serve as guards.
Kuan pointed out that the police would focus their manpower on those areas that did not have such a security scheme, and thus those gated and guarded ones must ensure that the guards were up to the mark.
He advised the residents to ensure that the guards employed by security firms are either locals or Nepalese, and screen the guards by submitting their names to the nearest police station. “They must not have crime records. The guards should also take urine tests periodically to ensure that they are not drug users.
“The insurance coverage for any losses or thefts occurred should also be negotiated with the company,” he added. Nonetheless, Kuan said the security guards might be exploited by the company who employed them. “They are not sent for training because it is costly – it is RM250 for Level One of a basic course and RM700 for Level Two. For Nepalese, it is RM400 for Level One. “They are underpaid and overworked, and most do not have EPF and Socso benefits. They do not have insurance coverage, too,” he said.
He advised the residents to pay the security firms well in order to get a proper security service in return, and provide proper shelter to the guards instead of a makeshift booths. All in all, Kuan stressed that one’s safety is not guaranteed in a gated and guarded area.
“The community must work together in order to curb crime. “Your neighbour is your first line of defence. “Establishing strong ties and close rapport among the neighbours is more important than anything else. “Teach the elderly and children to be vigilant and call the local police stations in case you notice any suspicious character,” he said.
The Selangor police hotline is 03-2052 9999.
COMMUNITY
By Tho Xin Yi
Tuesday, 13 Oct 2009
https://www.thestar.com.my/
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Malaysia gangsters legitimise protection racket through security guard services
Residents in guarded communities are being forced to pay protection money - to their security guards.
Many of these guards are nothing more than gangsters who are legitimising their protection racket under the guise of providing security.
Residents are effectively paying to protect themselves from those who stand guard.
Even the Security Services Association of Malaysia (PPKKM) admits that many of its member companies are backed by gangs.
Several residents associations (RAs) in Klang Valley are trapped with the gang-linked thugs or ex-convicts as guards.
Office bearers of some RAs claimed they were forced to continue hiring these companies after being threatened that gangsters would cause problems if their services were terminated.
There have also been cases of fights between rival groups vying for the security business.
The most recent case involving a turf war among gangsters in Bandar Bukit Raja, Klang had left one security guard dead and six others injured.
A representative of an RA, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said many associations were enticed by gang-linked companies because of the low rates.
But later we find that these guys are not even trained. Some come to work drunk," he said.
Another RA committee member claimed that fights had broken out at her gated community's guard post.
An RA chairman said when his neighbourhood was being patrolled by a suspected gang-linked company, houses of those who did not pay were frequently broken into.
A security industry veteran, who handles several RA contracts in the Klang Valley, said his clients found it difficult to get rid of gang-linked guards.
"One RA asked me to take over from a gang but I declined. No one dares to take over from a gang, it is something we don't want to get involved in," he said.
He said gang-patrolled neighbourhoods were on the rise in Klang, Rawang and some parts of Subang Jaya and Lembah Subang.
"If they control many areas, the profits are big. That's why gangs expand their territories and end up clashing with rivals for control," he added.
He said there was no certain way for an RA to check if a company had underworld backing or not, as most are operated under the licences of bigger security companies.
Community Policing Malaysia (CP) founder Kuan Chee Heng said RAs should vet potential security providers with the police to avoid paying protection money to the gangs.
THE STAR/
ASIA NEWS NETWORK
PUBLISHED MAY 18, 2015, 11:53 AM SGT
FYI Links:
http://www.moha.gov.my/images/maklumat_perkhidmatan/pekeliling_agensi_persendirian/pekeliling_1.pdf
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Dubious guards doing the rounds
WHY is there the trend of guards patrolling housing estates today?
Previously it was only for gated communities. In Taman Tun Dr Ismail where I stay, this has become a “necessity.”
Some individuals in guard uniforms have gone from door to door offering to patrol the neighbourhood for a fee.
Not everyone, including me, agree to such an arrangement. We cannot ascertain their background, let alone let them “protect our homes.” This may become a permanent affair. Who knows what will happen if one were to discontinue the service.
Just yesterday, the aluminium door to my rubbish chute was stolen along with my neighbour’s, two doors away.
Was this a warning to enrol for this service or just a misdeed by irresponsible individuals? It looks as if I am being coerced to pay “protection money” for peace to my home.
I have been staying in this neighbourhood for the past 17 years and this is the first time the door to my rubbish chute was stolen.
It would seem futile to make a police report over such an inexpensive item. I thank God it was not something more serious.
The presence of our friendly neighbourhood policeman is a rare sight nowadays. Where have they gone?
Busy guarding VIPs or hiding behind some trees to catch traffic offenders?
Have there been many resignations in the police force? If so, is it because of low pay?
In that case, a revision should be in order. No doubt, many rank-and-file officers hold SPM or PMR qualifications and, therefore, are not entitled to high salaries but the risks they take in the line of duty should be taken into account.
I appeal to the authorities to properly streamline the practice of guard patrols sprouting all over housing estates, in particular, those with minimal or no police presence.
I still strongly believe in the protection of the police as the “official protector of the people.”
LIVING IN FEAR,
Kuala Lumpur.
Source:
10/01/2007 The Star
