Monday, 3 September 2012

RAs seeking Govt’s help


By MARTIN CARVALHO 

PETALING JAYA: With security being stepped up at shopping malls following a spate of incidents there, residents' associations (RAs) are calling on the Government to “empower” them by extending help to housing areas as well.

RAs are seeking smart-partnerships with the relevant authorities such as the police and local councils to further improve security in their areas.

Medan Damansara RA secretary Peter Raiappan said the fear of crime has led residents to take proactive measures by hiring security services.

“There should be a way for the authorities to regulate, train and empower private security personnel to ensure they are able to perform their duties more effectively,” he said.

Among the proposals, he said were uniform guidelines for RAs wishing to engage private security services and standard operating procedures for RA guard posts.

He cited examples where arguments have ensued when visitors were stopped by security personnel for verification.

“The police should give some basic training to guards manning such posts like what is being done for security personnel at the malls,” he added.
  
He also called on the Government to consider providing subsidies for eligible RAs.

“Residents pay between RM50 and RM150 a month for private security services.

“However, it is unfair as some residents refuse to contribute although they enjoy the added security,” he said.

Bandar Utama RA chairman Lim See Meng supported the proposal to empower RAs as it would complement the government's efforts to ensure the safety of citizens.

“Empowering and training security personnel would help security guards discharge their duties more effectively,” he said.

He noted that many security firms are forced to rely on foreign and untrained personnel.

He said currently his RA forks out RM1.5mil a year for private security services.

Currently, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) provides a RM5,000 incentive annually to all eligible RAs under its Neighbourhood Safety Team Programme for the purpose of organising security-related programmes.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heungsaid he would comment on the matter soon.

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