Woman detained for illegally trying to get Malaysian passport for Sri Lankan boy
New Straits Times
SUNGAI PETANI: A 30-year-old Malaysian woman has been detained for trying to illegally obtain a Malaysian passport for an 8-year-old Sri Lankan boy at the UTC Sungai Petani Immigration Office on Tuesday.
The incident occurred around 9.30am, when the woman accompanied the child to the passport counter and submitted an application for a passport.
During the interview process, immigration officers became suspicious after the child failed to answer basic questions about his name and personal details as stated in the birth certificate.
Further questioning by the officers only deepened the suspicion, as the child continued to give incorrect answers.
According to a statement from the Immigration Department, the woman also provided inconsistent and suspicious explanations regarding the purpose of the passport application.
Both the woman and the boy were subsequently brought to the office for further investigation.
Investigations later revealed that the woman had no family relationship with the child and had trained with him for two weeks in preparation for the passport application attempt.
The woman has since been detained under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for further investigation and legal action.
The department warned that any attempt to apply for a passport illegally or misuse travel documents constitutes a serious offence under Malaysian law.
“The department takes such acts seriously, as they threaten the security and integrity of Malaysia’s travel documents.
“The public is reminded to follow official procedures and avoid involvement in any activities that could compromise national security.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
