The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) detained 16 people yesterday suspected of corruption connected to birth registrations.
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Sri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya announced the arrests following raids carried out as part of two operations, Op Outlander and Op Birth, on Tuesday.
The raids targeted several locations, including clinics and law firms in Klang Valley and Johor.
The scheme involves late birth registrations of non-citizens as citizens, as well as the registration of births using fake documents.
In the case of Operation Outlander, the primary suspect is a civil servant accused of aiding in late birth registrations for individuals born more than 60 days after their actual birth dates.
Ahmad Khusairi added that the operation also revealed involvement by a medical practitioner, a Datuk Seri, who owns multiple clinics and maternity centres. This individual is alleged to have facilitated the issuance of fraudulent birth documents.
In Op Birth, three suspects — believed to be agents — are accused of bribing a public servant with approximately RM18,000 in exchange for assistance in processing birth registrations using fake supporting documents, such as counterfeit hospital birth certificates.
Additionally, six civilians were arrested for allegedly using these agents to submit fraudulent birth registration applications. A lawyer, suspected of acting as an intermediary between the agents and applicants, was also detained.
The 16 suspects, aged between 20 and 70, were arrested between 11 am and 8pm yesterday. They were taken to MACC Headquarters and MACC Selangor for questioning.
The suspects will appear in Shah Alam Magistrate’s Court tomorrow for remand proceedings.
Two of the suspects, including the Datuk Seri, who are dealing with health issues, were released on MACC bail after their statements were recorded.
The raids were the result of a year of intelligence gathering and cooperation between the MACC and the National Registration Department.
Ahmad Khusairi emphasised that these arrests highlight MACC’s ongoing commitment to combat corruption, particularly in public services, to protect national security.
The case is being investigated under Sections 17(a) and 17(b) of the MACC Act 2009.