GEORGE TOWN – Police arrested a Myanmar man yesterday, after he allegedly used another person’s personal information and identity to obtain the Covid-19 vaccine.
The 45-year-old suspect’s actions were uncovered when the real person behind the identity, who is also a Myanmar national, was informed by officers at the Pesta Sg Nibong vaccine centre (PPV) here that his passport number had been registered at another PPV.
Northeast district police chief Soffian Santong said the victim was shocked when he was informed upon going to the centre to get a jab himself.
He was told his name was recorded as having received the first vaccine dose at the RiVAC Gurney Paragon Mall PPV on August 20.
“The victim then lodged a report at the Sg Nibong police station because he was not satisfied and suspected that some irresponsible party had used his identity to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Following the police report, an investigation paper was opened under Section 420 of the Penal Code,” he said today.
Soffian said that police arrested the suspect, who is believed to know the victim, with the help of security personnel at the RiVAC Gurney Paragon Mall PPV.
During the arrest, he said, the police also confiscated several documents, including the victim’s identification document.
“The suspect was arrested for further investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for the offence of not having a valid travel document.
“He was also remanded for three days starting today. Police are advising the public not to steal other people’s personal information just to get vaccinated,” he said. – The Vibes, September 10, 2021
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