PIs forming group to regulate profession

By ROYCE CHEAH

Akhbar: Says the move is needed to unite private investigators and promote the profession

PETALING JAYA: Private investigators have decided to set up an association to regulate themselves and provide the public an avenue for recourse if services rendered are unsatisfactory. 

Malaysian Association of Licensed Private Investigators (MALPi) pro tem committee president Akhbar Satar said all licensed private investigators were welcome to join the association, which currently has the participation of seven companies. 

Akhbar said the move was needed as the investigation industry in Malaysia was fragmented with no central record of practising licensed investigators. 

“The trade is totally unchecked and some clients are not happy with the services but have no place to lodge a complaint. There are also persons doing the business without a valid licence,” he said. 

In Malaysia, every investigator must have a valid licence issued under Section 2(b) Private Agency Act by the Internal Security Ministry.  

Akhbar said that once the association was registered its objectives would be to protect the interests of licensed investigators, unite and promote the business of private investigation, act as a liaison body with the Internal Security Ministry and promote professionalism. 

Akhbar said the industry needed to speak with one voice for the Government to consider recommendations from the association.  

“Also, once MALPi and its members are in place, should there be any complaint against one of the members at least there would be an avenue for disciplinary action to be taken against the company,” he said. 

“We will also put up a website listing all our members and this will give the public choice.” 

Akhbar added that there would be two categories of membership: full membership, which is open to licensed private agency holders and its employees under Section 2(b) of the Act; and affiliate membership, which is open to insurance adjusters, auditors, accountants and law enforcement officers. 

For enquiries, call 03-6201 5011 or e-mail akhbar@email.com.