105 held over forged MyKad - The Rakyat Post

GEORGE TOWN, July 4: The Home Ministry has uncovered a new syndicate which produces forged identification cards for sale, closely resembling authentic ones. Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zahid Hamidi said today that the syndicate targeted three groups of individuals. “The first group comprises foreigners who wish to stay in Malaysia and become Malaysian citizens, albeit illegally, while the second group involves those who wish to cash in on the trade to make a quick buck. “The third group targeted are those staying in secluded areas such as farms and plantations. These are places where foreigners normally stay.” Zahid said to date, 105 arrests had been made. He added there were also foreigners behind the syndicate, but declined to disclose their country of origin. Asked whether insiders at the National Registration Department (NRD) were involved in the syndicate, Zahid said investigations so far showed there were none. However, if any were found to be involved, then stern action would be taken against them, including bringing them to court. He said the syndicate was closely being monitored by police and NRD’s enforcement department. “The Home Ministry has obtained scanners to be used by the authorities to check the authenticity of identification cards. There is also a direct online method which can determine their authenticity as well. “I wish to clarify that the NRD has never appointed any agents to go around scouting for individuals who wish to register for ICs. “There are 41 NRD offices nationwide. Information of all those applying for ICs are stored in a databank in its headquarters at Putrajaya. Authentic ICs can be issued within 24 hours, unlike forged ones which take longer to process.” Zahid said this at the Penang police headquarters after breaking fast with some 1,000 police officers and policemen. Also present were state police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi, his deputy Datuk A. Thaiveegan and department chiefs from the Penang police force. He reminded potential victims not to be fooled by the syndicate, saying there were 13 safety features on bonafide ICs comprising high technology and safety features. “These features are updated from time to time. We can determine whether ICs belong to Malaysian citizens, permanent residents in the country or resident pass holders, as they are colour coded according to their categories.”



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