AN unemployed man has been charged in the Seremban Magistrates’ Court on Friday over an alleged scam involving the sale of a state honour carrying the title “Datuk”, in a case that underscores ongoing concerns about fraudulent claims tied to royal awards.
Tengku Ahmad Ariff Mulia Tengku Daeng Bahaismail, 27, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Nurul Saqinah Rosli to a charge under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of between one and 10 years, whipping and a possible fine upon conviction.
He is accused of dishonestly deceiving a man into paying RM64,500 by falsely claiming he could secure a state honour conferring the title “Datuk” in conjunction with the birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.
The alleged offence took place between 30 March and 6 December 2025 at a residence in Taman Nuri Indah in Seremban.
Deputy public prosecutor Hanis Anisha Jamilludin proposed bail at RM15,000. However, defence counsel Chrysandy Lai urged the court to impose a lower sum, citing the accused’s unemployment, his responsibility for caring for his mother and the claim that the affair stemmed from a misunderstanding involving a family acquaintance.
The court set bail at RM5,000 and fixed 3 June for further mention of the case.
The prosecution is proceeding under laws designed to address cheating and fraud, amid broader efforts to curb schemes exploiting the prestige of Malaysia’s honours system. - April 24, 2026
