MEMBERS of the public are being warned against falling for investment scams involving individuals falsely claiming to hold the prestigious “Datuk Seri” title, following reports of victims losing close to half a million ringgit.
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong revealed that at least six people had either lodged reports or made enquiries, with one Datin alone losing RM400,000 to a scammer who claimed to be an *Ahli Istana Anak Angkat*—a title which, Chong confirmed, does not exist.
“We’ve checked with the Istana and there is no such title. It’s completely fabricated,” he said during a press conference at Wisma MCA.
Chong added that three of the cases were business-related scams, while the others included attempts—some from abroad—to verify the authenticity of individuals flaunting supposed federal honours.
According to Chong, the alleged fraudster boosted his perceived legitimacy by placing his image alongside ministers and VIPs at public events, thereby giving the impression of high-level connections.
Meanwhile, President of the Majlis Datuk Persekutuan Malaysia (MDPM), Datuk Alvin Tee Guan Pian, urged the public to remain vigilant, emphasising that federal titles are awarded only to those with significant contributions to the nation.
“Fake titleholders often use these credentials to secure business deals and contracts. The Securities Commission takes illegal investment schemes seriously, and offenders can be charged in court,” he said.
Echoing the concern, Majlis Datuk Dato’ Malaysia (MDDM) president Datuk Samson David Maman called for swifter legislative action to tackle the issue.
He urged authorities to prioritise proposed amendments to the Awards Act 2017 (Act 787), which he said would empower enforcement agencies to take firmer action against imposters.
“It’s going internally. But we know there are many proposed amendments across various acts. Ours is just one of them. Time will come when we are on the priority list,” he said.
Both MDPM and MDDM have advised the public to verify any claims to honorific titles via the *Bahagian Istiadat dan Urusetia Persidangan Antarabangsa* portal at [www.istiadat.gov.my](http://www.istiadat.gov.my), or by contacting MDPM or MDDM directly. - July 26, 2025
