NRD staff warned over certs

D-G: Those issuing birth certs for trafficked babies to pay the price

KUALA LUMPUR: Stern action will be taken against National Registration Department (NRD) staff for issuing birth certificates to trafficked babies, said its directorgeneral Mohd Yazid Ramli.

The department would not compromise if any of its staff was involved and disregarded procedures, he said.

“Stern action will be taken if the allegation is found to be true,” he said in a statement yesterday in response to Al-Jazeera’s documentary Malaysia Babies for Sale – 101 East aired on Friday.

The documentary reported that NRD staff were involved in issuing birth certificates to babies being trafficked.

Mohd Yazid said that the department viewed human trafficking seriously and urged those with information on the involvement of the department’s staff to step forward so that appropriate action could be taken.

This, he said, would enable the department to verify the accuracy of the birth registration status of the child, blacklist the birth certificate, conduct an internal investigation, track down clinics involved and work with the police for court action to be initiated.

He said the NRD would register the birth of every child in the country without any prejudice.

Mohd Yazid said every registration would be checked by a supervisor.

If the information was complete, the birth certificate would be issued, otherwise the registration would be postponed until the applicant could provide the complete information, he said.

If there are doubts, the applications would be referred to the Investigation and Enforcement division.

Mohd Yazid said that parents or guardians were responsible for the documents and the information provided.

If there was cheating, falsification or incorrect information, the individual could be charged under the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957 and could be jailed not more than 12 months, or fined up to RM2,000, or both.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the ministry took a very serious view of the numerous issues highlighted in the documentary.

The ministry has initiated an investigation into doctors and healthcare facilities highlighted in the programme.

“Depending on the result of the investigation, action will be taken accordingly on the doctors and healthcare facilities involved,” he said in a statement.

Dr Subramaniam said that all medical practitioners were expected at all times to observe proper standards of personal behaviour in keeping with the dignity of the profession.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar refuted the allegation that Malaysia was a baby-selling hub as reported by Al-Jazeera.

He said while baby-selling took place in the country, it was not as easy as was reported.

He said the police always took stern action and collaborated with various ministries and agencies to ensure that trafficking and other exploitation against women and children were given priority.

“The police will conduct further investigations into the claims made by Al-Jazeera so that appropriate action can be taken,” he said in a statement.

Stern action will be taken if the allegation is found to be true. Mohd Yazid Ramli