Alleged 'Datuk Seri' scam claims more victims in Kuala Lumpur

The Star

5 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Two more individuals are believed to have fallen victim to a scam involving a man falsely claiming to hold the honorific title of "Datuk Seri."
Two days ago, MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong revealed that his office had received six reports from individuals who were allegedly scammed by a person posing as a "Datuk Seri."
One victim reportedly lost RM400,000 to the individual, who claimed to be running an investment scheme.
Chong mentioned that the man in question had previously contacted his office and requested a press conference to clear his name, but later withdrew, citing health concerns.
"He claimed he couldn't attend due to high blood pressure," Chong told reporters at a press conference held at Wisma MCA on Monday (July 28).
Following the exposure of the alleged scam, Chong said the individual had threatened legal action against both him and the Council of Datuk-Datuk Malaysia (MDDM).
"We have no intention of apologising. If he truly holds the title, he should come forward and prove its authenticity. He claims to be a 'Datuk Seri' with the phrase 'Ahli Istana Anak Angkat' above his name - but is that legitimate?' Chong questioned.
Chong also displayed a copy of an identity card allegedly belonging to the man's partner, who referred to herself as "Putri," noting that the listed residential address was linked to the title "Undang Luak Johol Ke-14."
He said the documents would be submitted to the Datuk Lembaga Suku Biduanda Raja Balang Luak Johol for verification.
Chong urged others who may have fallen victim to the scam to lodge police reports.
MDDM president Datuk Samson David Maman said the council had also received two calls from individuals claiming they were deceived by the same person, although the victims had yet to come forward.
"We regularly receive complaints about bogus 'Datuk' or 'Datuk Seri' titles. We urge the public to verify any such claims through the official Bahagian Istiadat dan Urusetia Persidangan Antarabangsa website," he said.
Meanwhile, Datuk Hamzah Limin, the Datuk Lembaga Suku Biduanda Raja Balang Luak Johol, reiterated that traditional titles under the Luak Johol jurisdiction are only valid if recommended by the Datuk Undang Johol and officially conferred by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan at Istana Besar Seri Menanti.
"Any conferment carried out outside of official state ceremonies—such as in hotels or private venues—is not valid," he stressed.
Hamzah also warned the public against the misuse of traditional symbols and titles, noting that some individuals have used unauthorised emblems, forged documents, and royal-style language such as "Duli Yang Maha Mulia," which is reserved exclusively for the state ruler.
He added that such acts are now punishable under existing laws.
"No titles such as 'anak angkat', 'puteri', or 'putera' have been issued by the current Datuk Undang. The public must remain alert to avoid being misled," he said.