105 individuals detained for making fake identity cards

The Home Ministry has detained 105 individuals, including syndicate members, on suspicion of being involved in producing fake identity cards between September last year and April this year.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the suspects were divided into three categories, with the first comprising members of syndicates which targeted on foreigners who wanted to become Malaysian citizens.

"The second category is individuals who imposed payment on quarters who wanted our identity card.

"The other category comprises individuals who carried out their activities periodically by focusing on certain areas, especially plantations and housing areas with foreigners," he told reporters after breaking fast at the Penang police contingent here Friday.

Also present were Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi.

Ahmad Zahid said those detained included foreigners, believed to be acting as agents.

He said so far, no civil servant had been arrested for such an offence.

"The ministry views seriously activities involving forging of identity cards and the National Registration Department and the police are always working together to eliminate such activities," he added.

He refuted claims on agents being appointed by the ministry to facilitate applications for identity cards.

"I advise the public to not be deceived by quarters offering identity card because we have never appointed any agent for the purpose.

"Furthermore, the process of applying for the identity card only takes 24 hours and not weeks as claimed by some quarters," he added.