KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 — Actor and model Meerqeen has now been assigned with bodyguards whenever he’s out for work.

The move was made in order to prevent the 22-year-old from getting into any unwanted controversies that could harm his image.

As reported by Harian Metro, the decision was not Meerqeen's but rather a move by his management.

According to a spokesperson from Meerqeen’s management, they have hired two bodyguards to look after him whenever he’s surrounded by crowds.

"This is just for precautions aside from his own safety.

"This is also based on our past experiences which affected his name and to prevent it from happening again.

"At first, even Meerqeen didn't know about the bodyguards. Alhamdulillah, so far, their presence has been a great help and they are firm in protecting Meerqeen in public,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that they’re grateful fans and members of the public have taken the ‘bodyguard situation' well and respected requests made by the bodyguards, especially during photo sessions with Meerqeen.

"We’re not trying to show off, instead we don’t want anything to happen to him.

"We want to look after Meerqeen’s reputation as well as we can, especially when he’s still young,” the spokesperson said.

Last year, Meerqeen — whose real name is Muhammad Shameer Shauqeen Shaiful Izamwas — found himself in hot water. This was after he kissed Indonesian comedian Kiky Saputri on her forehead while attending an event in Jakarta.

Following the controversy, the Kelaster actor said that he wanted to move on and forget the whole incident.