1,377 arrested since 2021 over misuse of MyKad, says Saifuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,377 individuals, including foreigners, were arrested between 2021 and Oct 31 this year for misusing MyKads and birth certificates, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

In a written parliamentary reply, he said 338 of these cases were specifically related to MyKad misuse under Regulation 25(1)(e) of the National Registration Regulations 1990. They comprised 232 cases of fake cards and 106 cases involving the use of another person’s MyKad.

He said 172 offenders were Filipinos, 132 were Indonesians and 34 were nationals of other countries.

“Some of these cases have been tried and sentenced under the relevant laws, while others remain under investigation or pending prosecution.

“A total of 843 prosecutions were recorded under the National Registration Regulations 1990, 525 under the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957 (Act 299), while nine cases were not prosecuted,” he added.

Saifuddin said 3,418 enforcement operations were carried out over the same period in collaboration with various agencies.

To ensure the MyKad holders’ data is protected from identity theft and illegal sales, the ministry, through the National Registration Department (NRD), had implemented a comprehensive strategy encompassing enforcement, prevention and public education.

From an enforcement perspective, he said the NRD, together with other agencies, continuously intensified joint operations to combat fraud, forgery and illegal sales of identity cards.

“A special investigation task force has also been established under the NRD to trace syndicates involved in the sale of personal identities. In addition, integrated inspections — including unannounced audits — are conducted regularly to ensure compliance with established work procedures,” he said.

On prevention, Saifuddin said continuous public awareness campaigns were conducted to remind citizens of their responsibility to safeguard personal identification documents.

He added that the NRD haf provided hotline and online complaint channels via the Home Ministry’s portal to allow the public to report irregularities swiftly for immediate action.

“The ministry also reminds all citizens that each individual is responsible for securing their official personal documents, such as birth certificates and identity cards, to prevent misuse that could compromise national security.

“The Home Ministry, through the NRD, remains committed to protecting citizens from identity theft.

“Therefore, the ministry will continue to strengthen its approach by integrating technology, enforcement, and public education to uphold the integrity and security of the national registration system,” he said.

Saifuddin was responding to Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju) who inquired on the matter.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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