ALOR SETAR: Kedah police have initiated probe into the possible sale of digital certificates "confirming" that an individual has been fully vaccinated via social media.
State police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said investigation papers have been opened under Section 22(d) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 or Act 342 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
He said police received a report at about 9.44pm last night after news on the sale of the fake digital certificates went viral on social media.
"Following the report, we have opened up investigation papers, whereby those found guilty can be fined not more than RM100,000 or maximum seven years' imprisonment or both upon conviction," he said today.
It was reported that Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital Head of Department and Senior Consultant O&G, Consultant Gynae Oncologist Datuk Dr Mohd Rushdan Mohd Noor had posted on Facebook that the digital certificates were being sold at RM15 each.
Among others, it displayed a photograph of the holder of the digital certificate as well as the date and location of the vaccine doses given.
Dr Mohd Rushdan, in his Facebook post, questioned how authorities could differenciate between genuine and fake digital certificates if public were allowed to make a vaccination certificate identity card or print the vaccination certificates themselves.
As such, Kamarul Zaman advised the people to be wary and not to be easily influenced into possessing the digital certificates.
"We also urge those with information about the matter to come forward and furnish us with the necessary details," he said, adding that the people can call Kedah police at 04-7741275 or MERS 999 or senior investigating officer Assistant Superintendent Noorulazanni Muhammad Noor at 011-10318409.
Yesterday, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali had said that the Health Ministry would take stern action against anyone attempting to forge the digital Covid-19 vaccination certificate in the MySejahtera application.
He had said that the ministry's enforcement division and other authorities viewed the issue seriously and would take necessary actions to prevent it.