Security guards in Malaysia escalate pay and working condition disputes, submitting a memorandum to PIKM over unresolved wage issues.
KUALA LUMPUR: Security guards have submitted a memorandum to the Malaysian Security Industry Association (PIKM), warning of further action if long-standing issues over wages and working conditions remain unresolved.
The move comes amid ongoing claims of wage discrepancies, unpaid overtime and retaliation in the private security sector, issues previously highlighted by theSun.
The memorandum was submitted peacefully by about 15 union members today following advice from the Labour Department to avoid a larger public demonstration.
Kespa president Mohd Ali Ibrahim said the decision to scale down the gathering was deliberate.
“This is a peaceful submission of a memorandum. We just want to show our dissatisfaction,” he said.
The memorandum was directed at PIKM which Kespa alleges has failed to take decisive action against member companies accused of malpractice, particularly involving wage compliance and working conditions.
Mohd Ali said the association holds significant influence over its members, particularly in certification and licence renewals.
“They hold an important responsibility, but they are not actually using it. If members are not following the law, action must be taken,” he said.
Among the key issues raised were wage compliance, improper deductions and disputes over rest hours.
He said inconsistent interpretations of rest periods had led to recurring disputes across companies.
“Some companies say there are two hours of rest, but guards are still at the post and cannot leave. That becomes an issue,” he said.
The group is also calling for clearer, standardised contract terms, particularly in government-linked security work, to prevent ambiguity over overtime, public holidays and rest days.
“We need a standard understanding. Overtime, public holidays and rest days must be clearly agreed,” he said.
The memorandum also urges stricter enforcement of existing labour requirements, including timely salary payments and statutory contributions.
“Pay the salary according to the law. If there is a deduction, it must be paid to the relevant authority. Do not make deductions without reason,” he said.
Despite lodging the memorandum, Mohd Ali said there was limited confidence of immediate action.
“We have submitted before. This time, at least we are showing our dissatisfaction,” he said.
He said the next step would be to push for a formal engagement involving regulators, industry bodies and relevant stakeholders.
“We want a serious meeting. Call everyone, the authorities, the association, whoever is involved. We must sit down and resolve this,” he said.
He added that if no progress is made, the group would push for further escalation.
“If nothing happens, we will take the next step. The guards have reached a point of saturation,” he said.
Mohd Ali said stronger intervention from authorities was needed to ensure all parties come to the table.
“If we call them, they may not come. But if the authorities call, they will come. So we need that support,” he said.
He stressed that the grievances were not new and had persisted for years.
“This is not new. It has been going on for many years,” he said.
An Industrial Relations Department (JPP) officer who observed the submission said the memorandum would be documented and escalated internally.
“The report will be forwarded to the head of the office for further review,” the officer said.
The officer added that the process was carried out in an orderly manner.
“We appreciate that everything was conducted properly without disruption to the public,” he said.
