The desire to secure employment has emerged as a “common” reason cited by foreign nationals found in possession of fake MyKad identification cards, which were allegedly purchased for as little as RM300.
The matter was uncovered following a raid on an electronics factory in Telok Panglima Garang, Kuala Langat, on Wednesday, carried out by the National Registration Department (JPN) together with the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) and the Department of Labour (JTK).
The operation, dubbed Op Vape, which began at 7.30pm, was aimed at preventing and combating the forgery of identity documents, particularly national identity cards, as well as the misuse of other people’s identification documents for employment purposes.
One Indonesian woman, identified as Nulina, 37, said she was introduced to an agent by a friend to obtain a fake MyKad for RM300.
“I made the IC with a friend and bought it from her. She told me that if I wanted to work, I had to buy an IC.
“I had just started using it because I wanted to work… I didn’t know it was wrong,” said the mother of two softly when met by reporters after being detained on Wednesday.
Another Indonesian woman, identified as Murni, 25, who was also detained in the raid, claimed she resorted to using a copy of someone else’s MyKad because she needed a job.
“I entered Malaysia in 2024 after being promised a job as a domestic helper by an agent, but when I arrived, there was no job at all.
“I did various jobs, including working at a restaurant. Later, a friend invited me to work at this factory and asked me to use her IC to get the job.
“I only used a photocopy and didn’t pay anything. When I applied, the boss didn’t say anything and I got the job straight away,” she alleged.
It is understood that the two women were among 15 Indonesian women detained for similar offences during the operation.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the coordinated operation was launched following three weeks of intelligence gathering and successfully uncovered offences involving possession of fake identity cards and the use of other people’s identification documents.
He said offences under the National Registration Regulations 1990 carry penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM20,000, or both.
“Under the Immigration Department’s action, investigations will be conducted to determine whether they entered the country without valid documents, overstayed, misused valid work passes, or committed offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63. The Department of Labour will enforce the Employment Act 1955,” he said at a press conference at the raid location.
Also present was JPN Director-General Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias.
Saifuddin added that authorities would examine all elements of the case, including identifying the masterminds and the wider ecosystem behind the illegal activity.
“This joint operation will involve opening investigations by gathering all relevant information and company documents to identify where these workers were sourced from,” he said.
He stressed that the government views any form of identity document fraud seriously, as it poses significant implications for national security.
