MELAKA: The state's Council of Datuks is working on an initiative to stop any abuse of titles and to prevent fakes, says its president Datuk Wira Jahaya Mat.
He said it involves applying for the exclusive rights to use and protect the various Datukship awards conferred legally by the Yang-di Pertua of Melaka.
"The move is also to safeguard the image of the honorary titles bestowed by the state to individuals," he said in an interview here on Sunday (Oct 16).
Jahaya said that Melaka confers several awards that come with the title “Datuk”; Darjah Gemilang Seri Melaka (D.G.S.M) which carries the title “Datuk Seri”, Darjah Cemerlang Seri Melaka (D.C.S.M) which carries the title Datuk Wira and the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM).
He said that 37 cases relating to the abuse of Melaka's honorary titles were investigated by police last year.
"The council will also recommend that the state government amend the current enactment to stop any forms of abuse of the honorary titles and its emblems," he added.
Presently, those abusing honorary titles can be charged under Section 3(1)(b) of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Enactment A21, which carries a fine of between RM250,000 and RM500,000, or imprisonment for up to five years, if found guilty of the offence.
In August 2021, then Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Abdul Majid Mohd Ali busted the largest syndicate involved in the selling and counterfeiting of letters conferring fake Melaka state awards and medals.
The medals carried the titles of “Datuk” and “Datuk Seri” as well as Justice of the Peace.
In the sweep, the police arrested two masterminds and 32 individuals in relation to the case.
Those arrested were aged between 26 and 70 and are believed to have been involved as the masterminds, middlemen and buyers of fake Melaka state awards, medals and honorary titles which are offered for prices between RM50,000 and RM100,000.
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