SHAH ALAM: A non-governmental organisation (NGO) being investigated for wearing uniforms similar to that of security forces, is also selling fake titles and awards.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said an investigation showed the bogus medals and awards were sold to members of the NGO.
"The welfare-based NGO was established in 2022.
"They have no ties with the underworld but we believe they sold fake awards and medals to members and those who want to become members.
"We are still investigating the price for the fake titles and medals. We urge those who have been duped to come forward," he told a press conference at the state police headquarters on Friday (Jan 31).
Various items were seized including 18 ceremonial uniforms along with badges, medals and other accessories, he said.
"We also inspected and raided the NGO's headquarters in Pinggiran Subang.
"We have recorded the statements of 40 individuals and we will request the Home Ministry to deregister the NGO.
"Seven individuals, including the NGO's founder, will be charged under Section 140 of the Penal Code, Section 50(3) of Societies Act 1966 and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998," he said.
It was reported earlier this month that an NGO had landed itself in hot water for wearing uniforms that closely resembled that of a uniform body during an event.
A TikTok video, which went viral, showed several individuals from an NGO, wearing clothes that resembled official ceremonial uniforms and other attire during an event at a hotel in Taman Subang Perdana recently.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the video could bring confusion to the public that might assume that wearing these uniforms was not an offence.
"We are investigating under Section 140 of the Penal Code, Section 50(3) of the Societies Act 1966 and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998," he said.
Section 140 of the Penal Code stipulates that anyone who is not a soldier, sailor or pilot in military service but wears attire or carries any token resembling that of a soldier with the intent to impersonate can face up to three months imprisonment, a fine of RM1,000, or both, upon conviction, he said.
"For Section 50(3) of the Societies Act 1966, it carries a sentence of up to three months imprisonment and a fine not exceeding RM3,000 upon conviction.
"For the offence under Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998, a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or a RM1,000 fine or both and a RM1,000 fine per day should the offence be continued after conviction," he said.
Comm Hussein urged anyone with information on the incident to contact Sungai Buloh district police headquarters at 03-61561222 or any nearest police station.