PUTRAJAYA: The Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister's Department has confirmed that a letter bearing the department's official letterhead and the signature of its director-general is fake.
It said they did not issue the letter and that the director-general's signature had been forged.
"ICU JPM takes a serious view of the misuse of the Federal Coat of Arms, official letterhead and the signature of the ICU JPM director-general, which could mislead the public and undermine the department's credibility," it said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 29).
It said the use of the Federal Coat of Arms, or any imitation resembling it, without written permission from the minister for trade, business, calling or profession purposes is prohibited under Section 3 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963.
Anyone found guilty of violating the provision is liable to a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both, under Section 5 of the same Act, it said
ICU JPM said the forgery of documents, including letterheads and signatures, with the intention to cheat could also result in action under Section 468 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years' imprisonment and a fine upon conviction.
The unit therefore urged the public not to believe, circulate or act on the contents of the fake letter and to verify the authenticity of any letter issued through its official channels. – Bernama
