Kuala Lumpur: Ten individuals were fined amounts ranging from RM700 to RM2,000 by the Magistrate's Court for providing false information to the National Registration Department (NRD) in a bid to obtain birth certificates and identity cards. The accused, aged between 55 and 69, confessed to the charges in front of different Magistrates, namely Atiqah Mohamed @ Mohamad Saim, Illi Marisqa Khalizan, M.S Arunjothy, Aina Azahra Ariffin, Farah Nabihah Muhammad Dan, and S. Mageswary.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, nine male individuals, including Chok Tin Yong, Theng Lee Ping, and Chia Chin Tong, among others, were accused of providing false information for birth registrations of nine babies at various NRD counters in Kuala Lumpur from 2004 to 2022. These actions contravened Section 36(b) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957 (Act 299), which stipulates a maximum fine of RM2,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

Additionally, Theng and Gelam Fatimah Meer Ahmad faced charges for applying for identity cards using birth certificates containing false information during the same period and at similar locations. This particular infringement falls under Regulation 25(1)(b) of the National Registration Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2007), which carries a possible sentence of up to three years in prison, a fine not exceeding RM20,000, or both.

The prosecution team comprised NRD Prosecuting Officers, including Mohd Khairul Afizi Yusof and Zulkarnain Ahmad. Some of the defendants received legal representation from lawyers associated with the National Legal Aid Foundation.