Johari: Stop retaining MyKad
06/12/2007 The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Security personnel guarding buildings who insist on retaining the identity documents of visitors have been told to stop the practice immediately.

The Internal Security Ministry issued letters to licensed security firms on Sept 25, informing security guards that they were only allowed to write down the particulars of visitors instead of keeping the MyKad, driving licences or passports.

Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharum said security guards claimed they wanted to retain the documents because they needed information about visitors.

“Just ask the visitors to show their identity documents and jot down the particulars in the record book. After that, return the documents to the owners, don't keep them,” said Mohd Johari.

He said identity documents contained information about the owners and if they fell into the wrong hands, could be used in crime-related activities.

Security Services Association of Malaysia acting president Shaheen Mirza Habib confirmed that security firms had received the Sept 25 letter.

He said security firms were aware of the law forbidding guards from retaining the identity documents of visitors, but at times, the firms were forced to act on orders by their customers.

Shaheen said the firms had no choice but to follow the customer’s request, which angered the visitors and made the firms run foul of the law.

He also agreed that taking down particulars of the visitors was the best approach.

“Sometimes, the security guards just want to ascertain what time the visitors left. They retain the identity cards to ensure the visitors will present themselves at the guardhouse before leaving,” said Shaheen.