PETALING JAYA : A non-governmental organisation (NGO) busted last week by Selangor police for wearing uniforms identical to the armed forces, was on a nationwide recruitment drive to build its membership.
Calling itself the Land, Sea and Air Service Squad (Paskad), the group had claimed that its main focus was to provide rescue and relief services despite not having any legal affiliation with any government agency or the military branch.
Dozens of videos posted on TikTok showed its leader, a man claiming to be a “Datuk Seri” and the group’s “chief commissioner” calling on more Malaysians to sign up as members and buy its official uniform.
In the video, the leader said membership of the group was growing and there were plans to have ambulances and special rescue teams to expand its services.
He also urged lawmakers to support his group.
There were also videos of the group’s activities including motorcycle convoys, drone classes and its participation in a search-and-rescue mission for a missing person alongside members of government agencies last year.
Selangor police chief Commissioner Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said with an acronym almost similar to Paskal and Paskau, the elite special forces of the Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Malaysian Airforce respectively, the public could be deceived into believing the group was linked to the military.
“We take this very seriously as misrepresentations by a group such as displaying uniforms identical to that of Malaysian security forces could lead to confusion among the public and possibly be misused.
“We are gathering intelligence including ascertaining if its registration with the Registrar of Societies is legit, the strength of its membership and if its leaders were selling ranks and positions.
“We are also investigating if they have committed other crimes,” Comm Hussein told The Star, adding that several members of the group have been questioned by police.
The group’s activities surfaced last week after police came across a video of its members attending a ceremony donning attire similar to the ceremonial uniform worn by police and military personnel.
He said the group is being investigated for the unauthorised use of military fatigues under Section 140 of the Penal Code and for other alleged offences under the Societies Act and Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Sources said preliminary investigations showed the group was formed two years ago and has 400 members from all ethnic communities. Police also discovered that a shoplot in Taman Subang Damai, Shah Alam, was being used as its office.
