Perak police on trail of bogus “Datuk” and “Datuk Seri” holders
Police advise people not to accept or buy any state honours and awards from illegal channels.
IPOH: Perak police are looking for individuals who received medals and awards that are not recognised by the state government to facilitate investigations.
Perak acting police chief Hasnan Hassan said individuals who had been conferred medals and awards that are not recognised can lodge a police report.
“Members of the public or individuals are advised to not accept or buy any of the state honours and awards from illegal channels.
“In Perak, the recognised awards from the state government will only be awarded by the Sultan of Perak, Duli-Duli Sultan and King, according to the laws,” he said in a statement today.
On Jan 17, a local newspaper reported that an individual was installed as the “Maharaja of Kinta”, using the title “Yang Mulia Datuk Seri Paduka Diraja”, at a ceremony in Selangor late last year.
Recently, Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir also urged individuals who had received medals and awards, which carried the title “Datuk” and “Datuk Seri” from non-recognised institutions, not to use such titles.
Commenting on an individual in Perak who used palace personnel to issue the yellow letter to protect the award recipient from any action, Hasnan said it was not true.
He said police had investigated the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 10 years and caning as well as a fine, if found guilty.
He also advised the public to avoid being engaged in any business related to non-recognised state honours and awards.
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– BERNAMA