Dewan Negara Passes Private Agencies (amendment) Bill 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The Dewan Negara today passed the Private Agencies (Amendment) Bill 2025, which among others aims to improve the process of issuing and renewing licences for the operation of private agencies.

The Bill was passed with a majority voice vote after being debated by four senators.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the Bill also seeks to strengthen the regulatory oversight of the private security industry and enhance the security vetting process.

He said it also aims to increase transparency without adding to the workload of the Inspector-General of Police.

“This is important to ensure smooth implementation and enforcement of this Act on the ground by enabling the Home Minister to issue administrative directives and guidelines to detail the implementation of the existing legal provisions without needing to constantly amend the Act through a legislative process that takes time,” he said when winding up the debate on the Bill.

He said private agencies are also required to prioritise the recruitment of local security guards over foreign workers, and that licences must not be leased or rented to other parties.

“These licensing conditions are a form of regulatory control to prevent misuse and to ensure that licence holders comply with the laws and regulations enforced.

“For example, licences cannot be leased or rented to others, and board members as well as staff must pass security vetting and must not be bankrupt,” he said.

Shamsul Anuar said that in terms of enforcement, the Home Ministry through its enforcement division is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act, while the security vetting process is handled by the Royal Malaysia Police under the supervision and direction of the Inspector-General of Police.

-- BERNAMA