Demand for more bodyguards

Money changers hiring them for protection against criminals

JOHORBARU: More money changers are now hiring bodyguards to protect themselves and their families from criminals and rival groups.

Johor Bodyguard Association secretary Mohd Firdaus Mohammed Amirrudin said previously, politicians topped the list of those who employed bodyguards but the trend had recently changed.

There have been several reports involving money changers being robbed recently.

Mohd Firdaus said the association received many applications from money changers who wanted to have a bodyguard for security.

“Most of our members are former police officers and soldiers who have years of experience as bodyguards,” he told The Star after the association’s annual general meeting here yesterday.

Mohd Firdaus said the association would usually conduct checks on their clients to ensure that they themselves were not involved in criminal activities.

“Only after that do we send our bodyguards to them,” he said.

He also said the association would also carry out checks on new members to ensure they had no criminal records.

Mohd Firdaus said their clients also preferred hiring female bodyguards to protect their wives and children, adding that many were

Most of our members are former police officer and soldiers with years of experience — MOHD FIRDAUS MOHAD

not comfortable having male bodyguards to watch over their wives and daughters.

“In Johor, we have about 53 members and only two are women.

“The association encourages more women to become bodyguards as there is a demand for them,” he said.

“We would work with the Home Ministry and other government agencies to promote the association and encourage more people to join the industry especially women,” he said, adding that a bodyguard earned about RM5,000 a month.

Mohd Firdaus said the association would conduct a training course for those who wanted to become a bodyguard from June this year.

“The association offers basic course and advanced tactical shooting course. The fee is RM1,500 but the shooting course is only for those who are licensed to carry a gun,” he said.