should I get malware protection?

No Anti-Virus software or so-called “cleaning” apps are needed or recommended for Mac OS. They can conflict with Mac's own built-in security. At best they will slow your Mac by using unnecessary resources and at worst will bork your entire system.

The only exception is Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes was developed by one of our own colleagues here in ASC and is about the most proven anti-malware software for Mac. Still the paid version will continually scan your disk which uses resources.

No. The best malware protection is to keep your Apple software current.

Any third party software that claims it will protect you will in fact not do that. It is also good for causing problems on your Mac.

See: Effective defenses against malware and ot… - Apple Community

I am using Bullguard (Paid version) but I don't notice any difference tbh, in fact I feel like its draining my MBP battery a lot faster ever since installing it...

I recommend that you uninstall it using the procedure provided by the developer.