Having an IC (identification card) is both a great responsibility and privilege as it’s what allows you to go to school, get a job, and even buy a house.
Given this, it’s no wonder many are turning to the illegal market to purchase fake ICs, even if it means forking out a huge sum of money for it.
Foreigners allegedly buying fake ICs for RM5,000
According to Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, he said intelligence gathered by the National Registration Department (JPN) revealed fake ICs are being sold from RM4,000 to RM5,000.
He added most of the buyers were foreigners looking for employment and a place to stay in Malaysia.
“JPN has been conducting continuous monitoring to detect any suspicious activities, including the sale of counterfeit identity cards or online identity fraud services.
“This surveillance covers all social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and TikTok to ensure that any illegal activities can be identified and addressed promptly.
“Based on this intelligence, JPN is actively monitoring and collaborating with other enforcement agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC),” he told Parliament last Thursday (Feb 20).
Shamsul was responding to a question posed by Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, who inquired about the extent of monitoring measures and enforcement actions taken against identity card forgery syndicates.
Punishment for obtaining fake ICs
Under Malaysian law, those found to be in possession of a fake IC or holding on to one that doesn’t belong to them face charges under Regulation 25(1)(e) of the National Registration Regulations 1990.
It carries a maximum fine of RM20,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both if convicted.
Should anyone come across of illegal ICs being offered to the public, they are urged to lodge a complaint through JPN’s official complaint channels or at any of its 210 branches nationwide.
Watch Shamsul’s remarks from the 1:01:00 mark here:
In light of this problem, an entirely new IC with better security features is expected to be released soon:
