JOHOR BARU: The arrest of seven Filipinos suspected of being Abu Sayyaf terrorists who had worked as security guards in Malaysia poses serious questions about loopholes in the screening process for such jobs.
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the case was shocking.
He questioned how the seven Filipinos went undetected and were able to bypass the stringent vetting conducted on all potential security guards.
"I am shocked. I urge the Home Ministry to investigate this and seriously consider reviewing the mechanics and methods of applying for jobs as security guards. This will make sure that all security measures are followed accordingly," Lee said.
Lee said all related agencies and organisations must take the issue seriously as it concerned the country's security.
"Security personnel must be subject to rigorous background checks. This concern is nothing new because serious crimes have been committed by security guards in the past," he said.
Yesterday, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said that seven suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists, all Filipinos, were arrested on Sept 14 in Kuala Lumpur where they worked as security guards.
The arrests followed an earlier operation where eight of their peers were also held for allegedly planning attacks on the 29th Sea Games Kuala Lumpur and 60th National Day celebration.