MACC Launches Investigations into Fraudulent Birth Registration Syndicate

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched investigations into a syndicate allegedly involved in the fraudulent registration of non-citizen births as Malaysian citizens and the use of fake supporting documents.

Background

The MACC conducted the raids after a year of intelligence gathering and collaboration with the national registration department.

Operations

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said the anti-graft agency launched two operations codenamed Op Outlander and Op Birth on Tuesday.

The operations saw raids conducted on several premises, including clinics and law firms in Johor and the Klang Valley.

Op Outlander

The main suspect in Op Outlander was a civil servant believed to have facilitated late birth registrations, or cases where births were reported more than 60 days after delivery.

“It is suspected that this operation was orchestrated by a medical practitioner with a ‘Datuk Seri’ title, who owns multiple clinics and maternity centres and was responsible for issuing fraudulent birth confirmation documents,” Khusairi said.

Op Birth

In Op Birth, three key suspects, acting as agents, allegedly bribed the civil servant with approximately RM18,000 to facilitate birth registrations using falsified supporting documents, including fake birth confirmation letters from hospitals.

Six applicants who sought the services of these agents were also arrested, in addition to a lawyer who allegedly acted as an intermediary between the agents and applicants.

Khusairi said that two suspects, including the Datuk Seri who has health issues, were released on MACC bail after giving their statements.

Commitment to Combating Corruption

Khusairi said that the arrests demonstrated MACC’s commitment to combating corruption, particularly in public services, to safeguard national security.

FAQs

* What is the purpose of the MACC’s investigation?
The MACC is investigating a syndicate allegedly involved in the fraudulent registration of non-citizen births as Malaysian citizens and the use of fake supporting documents.
* How long did the MACC conduct intelligence gathering and collaboration with the national registration department before conducting the raids?
The MACC conducted intelligence gathering and collaboration with the national registration department for approximately a year before conducting the raids.
* How many suspects were arrested in the operation?
Six applicants who sought the services of the agents were also arrested, in addition to a lawyer who allegedly acted as an intermediary between the agents and applicants.
* How much did the agents allegedly bribe the civil servant to facilitate birth registrations?
The agents allegedly bribed the civil servant with approximately RM18,000 to facilitate birth registrations using falsified supporting documents, including fake birth confirmation letters from hospitals.