Heavier penalties for using fake titles

Up to RM500,000 fine for offenders in Selangor

PETALING JAYA: The use of unaccredited honorary awards, titles and emblems is strictly forbidden in Selangor, with offenders risking a maximum fine of RM500,000 or jail or both.

The new Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Enactment (Amendment) 2016 has come into immediate effect in Selangor to check the abuse of honorary titles that are not recognised by the Selangor Palace.

Penalties have been increased to discourage the use of fake titles, medals and emblems from unauthorised sources, according to a statement from the Selangor Royal Court.

Offenders are liable to a fine of not less than RM250,000 and not exceeding RM500,000 or jail of not less than one year, and not exceeding five years, or both, if they are found conferring, accepting, or using any unauthorised royal honorary awards.

It is also an offence punishable under the enactment to lobby, accept and bribe to obtain any honorary awards via third parties.

Even those promoting, attending, assisting and participating in unauthorised conferment ceremonies are liable to a fine of between RM100,000 and RM250,000 or jailed up to three years or both.

Enforcement action will also be taken against those leasing or

We hope that the other states follow Selangor in introducing such laws.

Datuk seri Michael Chong

allowing the use of premises as the venue for illegal conferment ceremonies.

Other offences include accepting, requesting and bribing to organise illegal royal conferments ceremonies for self or other parties. Even those assisting in such activities will be held liable.

Making false claims of receiving honorary titles from the Sultan of Selangor, continuing to use honorary titles that were revoked by the Palace, and commercially sourcing and making unaccredited emblems, honorary titles or awards are also offences.

Datuk Seri Michael Chong, a former Selangor Justice of Peace (JP) council member, welcomed the move and said it could curb the problem in the state.

“We have received many complaints and the public has so much respect for the titles from the Selangor Palace.

“We hope that the other states follow Selangor in introducing such laws,” he said.