Security service companies found hiring workers without having valid documents or involved in criminal activities will have their licence cancelled without a final warning given.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the stern action taken was to prevent infiltration by terrorists into the country.
"The Home Ministry, specifically its security division which issues permits to private security service companies, has indeed tightened the procedure of hiring security guards.
"The police also do screening of each security guard to be hired to avoid what had happened in Sabah from occurring in other places," he said at the Dewan Rakyat sitting, here, today.
He was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Abdul Manan Ismail (BN-Paya Besar) on whether the Home Ministry was reviewing the procedure of hiring security guards following the case of security guards suspected of being members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group and who had used fake identity documents in applying for the job.
Prior to this, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun had disclosed that seven Filipinos suspected of being involved with the Abu Sayyaf group were arrested in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur on Sept 14, with all of them aged between 22 and 38 years, working as security guards with a number of private companies.
READ: Eight arrested over suspected terror links
Ahmad Zahid said the government had meanwhile instructed all enforcement agencies especially those stationed at the border areas with the Philippines to step up their security control.
He said this followed the aggressive action taken by the Philippine government in the massive fight against the terror group which had increased the risk of its members infiltrating Malaysia.
"From the efforts undertaken including intelligence information gathering with neighbouring countries, police managed to arrest seven Abu Sayyaf followers masquerading as security guards. All of them are still under police investigation and I do not wish to reveal more on this matter," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said police had also increased cooperation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission in efforts to identify and take action against website and social media account owners involved in spreading the ideology of the Daesh terror group.
To a supplementary question from M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) on the cancellation of the 'Octoberfest' beer festival, claimed to be due to information received on a planned attack against the event by a certain group, he said police had arrested three individuals over the plan.
"Other information are being gathered and police have identified the related individuals. That is why the Inspector-General of Police had given a warning earlier to cancel the event," he said, adding that the action was taken for the good of all.
Bernama
Tue Oct 24 2017
Ahmad Zahid says the stern action taken is to prevent infiltration by terrorists into the country. - BERNAMA/Files
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.