1,377 individuals arrested for identification crimes over five years, with 1,368 prosecuted for MyKad misuse and falsified birth certificates
PETALING JAYA: A total of 1,377 individuals have been arrested and 1,368 prosecuted over the past five years for offences involving the misuse of MyKad and falsified birth certificates, the Home Ministry told Parliament.
In a written reply to Zahir Hassan (PH–Wangsa Maju) on Tuesday, the ministry said from 2021 until Oct 31, the National Registration Department (NRD) conducted 3,418 enforcement operations with various agencies to curb identification-related crimes.
“Of the total arrests, 843 prosecutions were made under the National Registration Regulations 1990 while 525 cases were charged under the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957.
“The remaining nine cases did not result in prosecution.”
Zahir had asked for the number of arrests and prosecutions involving MyKad misuse, including cases of identity theft and illegal sales.
The ministry revealed that 338 offences were directly linked to MyKad misuse under Regulation 25(1)(e) of the National Registration Regulations 1990, which covers using another person’s identity card or allowing one’s own card to be used by others.
“A total of 232 cases involved the use of fake identity cards while 106 cases involved the use of another person’s MyKad.
“A further breakdown shows that 172 cases involved Filipino nationals, 132 involved Indonesians and 34 involved individuals from other countries.
“Some of these cases have been tried and sentenced under existing laws while others are under investigation or pending prosecution.”
The ministry said the NRD has set up a special investigation team to track down syndicates involved in the sale of forgeries, and misuse of identification documents.
Joint operations with enforcement agencies are also being intensified.
“Periodic integrated inspections, including surprise audits, are conducted to ensure full compliance with established work procedures.
“At the same time, NRD continues to run public awareness campaigns urging Malaysians to safeguard personal documents, such as birth certificates and MyKad.
“A hotline and online complaint portal under the Home Ministry have also been introduced to enable the public to quickly report suspicious activity.”
Under the Act, offences under Regulation 25(1)(e) provide up to three years’ jail, a maximum fine of RM20,000 or both.
The provision criminalises the use of another person’s identity card or allowing one’s own card to be used by others, a regulation the ministry said is crucial to preserving the integrity of Malaysia’s identification system.
“Every citizen must take responsibility for the security of their personal identification documents to prevent misuse that could threaten national security,” the ministry added.
