A SYNDICATE involved in the production of counterfeit birth documents has been operating for over three years, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The operation, recently uncovered by the National Registration Department (NRD) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), has seen numerous forged birth certificates issued, some of which were used to deceive authorities into registering individuals for citizenship.
Speaking at a press conference today, Saifuddin detailed the syndicate's operations, stating that they specialised in creating fake birth documents that closely resembled authentic records from registered private healthcare facilities.
These forged documents were then used to fraudulently register births and issue official birth certificates through the NRD.
"The syndicate’s activities involved individuals posing as birth informants, submitting falsified birth documents to NRD counters during registration.
“Once legitimate birth certificates were acquired, these documents were believed to be sold on the black market to parents or guardians of children who did not possess proper identification or Malaysian citizenship," Saifuddin explained.
To date, authorities believe the syndicate successfully issued 80 valid birth certificates through forged birth documents obtained from six private clinics and hospitals across four states.
The authorities dismantled the operation during a coordinated effort known as "Op Tumpang," carried out in collaboration with MACC's intelligence division.
"Op Tumpang was executed across four states: Putrajaya, Selangor, Penang, and Perak. This operation follows nearly a year of joint intelligence work between the NRD and MACC, which involved careful planning to ensure that enforcement action could be taken against all individuals and entities involved," Saifuddin said.
As part of the operation, 10 individuals were arrested, including two women and eight men.
Four of the arrested individuals are believed to be masterminds behind the syndicate, including a 55-year-old female lawyer suspected of acting as an intermediary between agents and applicants.
The remaining six suspects are believed to be birth informants who assisted in the fraudulent activities.
Authorities also seized RM54,000 in cash, which is believed to be the proceeds from these illegal activities.
The case is being investigated under Section 36(1)(b) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957, which deals with the submission of false information during birth registration.
Those found guilty under this section face a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
Saifuddin said the NRD’s firm commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s identification system, warning that attempts to forge official documents would face stringent legal consequences.
He urged the public to report any information related to document forgery to help combat this crime and protect the country’s sovereignty.
"Any attempt to forge official documents is a serious crime, and we will ensure strict legal action is taken against those involved," Saifuddin added. - March 13, 2025\
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