KUALA TERENGGANU: A private clinic in Marang near here is believed to have raked in more than RM1 million in the sale of fake Covid-19 vaccination certificates since September last year.
Preliminary police investigations revealed that some 1,900 people, including people from outside the state, were found to have been dealing with the clinic for vaccination purposes.
Police also learnt that those who wished to get the fake certificate needed to pay between RM400 and RM600 instead of the actual price of RM300 for the vaccination jab.
Terengganu police chief Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa said a party, including Commercial Crime Investigation Department policemen, raided the private clinic on Saturday acting on a tip-off.
He said his men seized more than 100 fake Covid-19 vaccination certificates and arrested a 51-year-old doctor at the clinic during the 7pm raid.
"Among other items seized included several documents, a laptop and telephone," he told a press conference at the state police headquarters here.
Also present was Terengganu Health director Datuk Dr Kasemani Embong.
Rohaimi said police believed that the suspect had allegedly made the sale of the fake vaccination certificates online.
"As of now, initial investigations showed that there are 1,900 people who have been dealing with the clinic.
"We are in the process of investigating if all of the people who have been dealing with the clinic did receive the vaccination shot or otherwise.
"Together with the Health Ministry, investigations will be carried out to check the MySejahtera accounts of these people," he said.
Rohaimi added that there were also documents which showed that the clinic had been dealing with patrons from outside the state such as Kuala Lumpur and Kedah.
"It is not logical that they (people from outside the state) would come all the way to the clinic in Marang to get vaccinated. This matter is being probed by the Health Ministry," he said.
Meanwhile, Bernama quoted Rohaimi as saying that the suspect admitted to being an anti-vaxxer and that he carried out the activity alone in the treatment room at the clinic.
"Although the doctor admitted to being an anti-vaxxer, he has already received the vaccine shot, probably because of his work," he said.
The suspect, said Rohaimi, was also believed to have used an agent who was given a commission of RM50 to promote his services.
Dr Kasemani said the private clinic was allowed to provide Covid-19 vaccinations for a fee since September last year.
It was also found that the clinic had applied to be used as a vaccination centre, but the application was rejected.
Rohaimi said the suspect has been remanded to facilitate investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
It is learnt the Health Ministry will not be issuing any statement since police are investigating,