Special team to probe fake IC rings
> Move to tackle issuance, distribution of false identity cards in Sabah
PUTRAJAYA: A special team will be set up to investigate syndicates issuing false identity cards in Sabah.
This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman in a joint statement in conjunction with the meeting of the Steering Committee on the Management of Foreign Nationals in Sabah held here yesterday.
The joint statement said that the government took a serious view on cases of issuing and distributing false identity cards which were still being carried out by certain syndicates.
In order to intensify enforcement, the government via the Committee on the Management of Foreign Nationals in Sabah has decided on the formation of the special team to investigate in detail the syndicates issuing the false identity cards as had happened in Sandakan and Tawau, Sabah recently, it said.
“A more comprehensive investigation must be initiated until the individuals acting as the real masterminds can be identified and legal action taken,” the statement said.
It said that although the documents issued were illegal and would not exist in the national registration system and record, more aggressive and firm action must be initiated.
“It does not only involve cheating recipients but also affects the government’s image,” said the statement.
It also emphasised that the government was also focusing on the problems of the entry of illegal immigrants especially in Sabah’s waters.
Taking into account the security and public interest factors, the government had taken the initiative by intensifying patrols at the entry points in Sabah, the statement said.
Proactive actions have been taken by the Immigration Department such as taking biometric information on every foreigner entering and leaving Sabah and the installation of the image recognition system at all entry points in the state.
The joint statement said that based on the records of the National Security Council Sabah, the total number of illegal immigrants that were expelled from Sabah since 1990 until March 3 was 553,692 people. – Bernama