The Malacca State Assembly today approved amendments to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1981, which among others provide for a much heavier penalty on those convicted of the offences.

With the amendments to the enactment, the penalty for improper use of state awards will be increased from RM1,000 to between RM250,000 and RM500,000.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said people found guilty of the offences could face imprisonment of between one and five years or both a fine and imprisonment.

He said the tougher penalty was important to prevent improper use of state medals, awards and honorary titles, especially when it involved the conferment of awards alleged to be similar by parties who were not recognised.

"The Malacca State Constitution clearly shows that only the Yang Dipertua Negeri can confer and forfeit titles, honours, decorations and medals. The Yang Dipertua Negeri and the state government view the abuse of unrecognised honorary titles seriously.

"In this connection, the amendment will allow for a wider scope of enforcement compared to the existing scope which only covers prevention of improper use for professional and commercial purposes," he said when tabling the motion on the amendments at the State Assembly.

The motion, seconded by Datuk Lim Ban Hong (BN-Klebang), was in relation to eight clauses, among them heavier penalty, expansion of the scope of the enactment, new definitions and eight new sections.

Datuk Ghazale Muhamad (BN-Rim), when debating the motion, said the current hot issue involved two individuals who claimed to be 'Malacca Sultan' and 'Queen Mother' who were involved with the giving of awards not recognised by the state government.

"The existing enactment does not clearly account for any provision to bring these individuals to justice, in addition, a fine of RM1,000 is not justifiable to what appears to be extreme," he said.

He said the problem would not only lead to confusion among the people but would also disrupt public order and harmony in the state.

The assembly will sit again tomorrow.