PENANG, 31 Jan. 2013 - Three employees of the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Security Department increased their job skills by participating in the Level 1 Series 6/2012 Basic VIP Escort course which was held in Kuala Lumpur in early January.

Two of them also brought honour to USM for being selected to receive the special awards after completing the course successfully. 

Abdul Razak Abdul Ghani, a former soldier, was selected to receive Best Outstanding Performance award while his colleague from the health campus, Abdul Halim Yusoff also received the Best Academic award. 

Abdul Razak was also selected to attend the advanced course Train the Trainer VIP Escort Level 1, allowing him to receive the License Agreement VIP Protection Course Train the Trainer from the organisers.

 Another participant, Rusli Ab. Razak, attended the course organised by the CPP Training and Services Sdn. Bhd. (CPPTS), emphasising on the aspect of escorting of VIPs, or better known as being a bodyguard. 

By participating in these special courses, they are able to gain experience in carrying out their duties in ensuring the security of VIPs, either physically or the security of the places visited. 

Assistant Security Officer from the Administration Unit, Azahar Bahari said that the training given to participants is difficult and very challenging, covering the aspects of weaponry and knowledge of the law.

 

He said the emphasis is to delay any attack to save the VIP concerned before escorting him to a safe zone, a critical matter that needs to be known by each bodyguard.

“This is the first time USM sent participants for such courses. It is deemed very important for jobs that involves providing security, and they included several main aspects, not just for keeping order in the campus,” he said. 

He added that participants were also exposed to aspects such as handling emergency situations and pre-emptive actions, overcoming obstacles, types of threat, providing security when getting in or alighting from vehicles, first aid, physical endurance and protocol. 

“The protocol aspects are also an important issue that needs to be familiarised by a bodyguard, including the appropriate attire, use of appropriate language when dealing with VIPs, and the need of bodyguards to keep the principle of trust and confidentiality of their employer,” he said.