Beware of fake ‘Datuk Seri' scammers, warns MCA complaints chief
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said his office has received six reports involving such scams, including one victim who claimed to have lost RM400,000.
'We received reports and a photo of a man claiming to be a Datuk Seri and an 'Ahli Istana Anak Angkat' written on top of his name.
'We've checked with the Palace and there is no such title. It's completely fabricated.
'The complainants lost so much money - the amount varies, with one person investing RM400,000. One of the complainants is herself a Datin,' he said during a press conference at Wisma MCA here on Friday (July 25).
Chong said the scammer in question is soliciting investments in an illegal financial scheme.
'After we interviewed the victims, they admitted they were misled into trusting him because they thought his title was genuine.
'They've now come forward to seek advice from us,' Chong added.
The scammer's state of origin remains unknown, but Chong confirmed that a police report has been lodged.
There have also been dubious claims made about an alleged quota for such titles.
'As far as we know, no such quota exists,' he said.
Chong urged the public to verify the legitimacy of honorific titles through the Bahagian Istiadat dan Urusetia Persidangan Antarabangsa website (www.istiadat.gov.my).
'Key in the name and if the person truly holds a Datuk title, it will appear. If you're unsure, you can also contact us or the Majlis Datuk-Datuk Malaysia (MDDM) for verification.'
He said the Majlis Datuk Persekutuan Malaysia (MDPM) and MDDM are actively addressing this issue, stressing that impersonating titleholders is a serious offence.
'People don't just misuse the 'Datuk' title, but also 'Datuk Seri' and 'Tan Sri'. So far, no scammer has claimed to be a 'Tun' yet,' Chong added.
He said MDDM has been pushing for amendments to Act 787 to empower police to take swifter action against individuals using fraudulent titles.
'We've been advocating for this for years. We understand the proposed changes have gone through the Attorney General's Chambers, and though the process is slow, it is progressing.'
Chong called on the public to be extra cautious when approached for business deals, particularly by individuals flaunting dubious titles.
'If someone claiming to be a Datuk Seri is asking for money, that's already a red flag.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
11 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Foamy effluent from glove factory sparks shutdown order
SUNGAI PETANI: A rubber glove factory here has been ordered to halt operations after it was found discharging foamy effluent into the public drainage system. Kedah Department of Environment (DoE) director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the enforcement action followed a public complaint received on July 27 regarding the incident. She added that an investigation team was immediately dispatched to the site on the same day, where it was confirmed that the factory had released foamy wastewater into the drains. "This not only pollutes the environment but also poses a threat to the water ecosystem and public health. "As an immediate measure, the Kedah DoE enforced an equipment seizure under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. "This action aims to immediately halt the polluting activity by the factory," she said in a statement today. Sharifah Zakiah said an investigation paper has also been opened under Section 25 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Amendment 2024). Under this provision, those found guilty may face a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine ranging from RM50,000 to RM10 million. "Such a severe penalty reflects the government's seriousness in addressing environmental pollution. "The Kedah DoE will not compromise on any form of environmental contamination. "We deeply appreciate public reports on this matter and pledge to continue monitoring the situation closely," she added. Sharifah Zakiah also urged the public to continue cooperating with the DoE in safeguarding the environment. She said those wishing to lodge a complaint may contact the toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or visit the e-complaint system at "Everyone's cooperation is vital to ensure the environment is preserved for future generations," she said.
The Star
42 minutes ago
- The Star
Contractor charged with using false documents in RM50,000 claim
ALOR SETAR: A contractor pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here on Monday (July 28) to an alternative charge of using forged documents for claims worth RM50,000 eight years ago. Fakhruziyahdy Shaari, 53, was charged with using a set of forged documents regarding maintenance work on 16 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the Community Rehabilitation Centre, Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Camp in Kem Lapangan Terbang Sungai Petani on Nov 20, 2017. The charge, under Section 471 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 465, provides for a maximum jail term of two years or a fine, or both, upon conviction. The court set bail at RM10,000 with one surety and set Aug 19 for mention. – Bernama
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
MMEA detains foreign tanker found anchoring illegally in Johor waters
BATU PAHAT: A Bridgetown, Barbados – registered tanker carrying over 6,800 metric tonnes of tar was detained for illegally anchoring in the waters off Batu Pahat on Sunday. Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Batu Pahat director Commander Mohammad Zaini Zainal said the vessel was intercepted at 12.30am, about 12.8 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Segenting. The ship's captain failed to produce an anchoring permit during a routine inspection by MMEA officers on patrol. "The tanker, which had sailed from Dubai and stopped at Tanjung Bruas Port in Melaka, was en route to Vietnam when it was found anchoring without clearance in Johor waters," he said in a statement today. All 18 crew members, including the captain — all Indian nationals aged between 22 and 45 — had valid travel documents. The captain and chief engineer were detained, while the remaining crew stayed aboard the vessel, which was placed under arrest and prohibited from sailing. The case is being investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for anchoring without permission from the director-general of the Marine Department Malaysia. If convicted, the offence carries a maximum fine of RM100,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both. Zaini said the MMEA will continue regular patrols to curb unauthorised anchoring activities and warned shipowners and captains to comply strictly with maritime regulations.
