A SPECIAL task force has been set up to investigate the issuance and sale of Malaysian identity cards (MyKad) and birth certificates to foreign nationals.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed confirmed the matter today.

He said the task force would comprise police, National Registration Department and Immigration Department personnel.

“The setting up of the task force was approved by the Home Affairs Ministry’s secretary-general, Alwi Ibrahim. The agencies involved will work together to combat the syndicate,” he said.

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said several more Penang NRD personnel would be detained to facilitate investigations into the case.

On September 11, 20 individuals, including a NRD officer, were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the illegal issuance and sale of Malaysian birth certificates and MyKads.

The following day, six men aged between 34 and 66, including a Penang NRD assistant director, were charged in court on 32 counts related to the case. – Bernama, September 21, 2019.