Press Digest - Police clamping down on 'fake royals'

PETALING JAYA: Perak police have initiated an investigation on those calling themselves royalty and issuing 'surat kuning' (yellow letters).

Perak CPO Datuk Hasnan Hassan said unscrupulous people posing as royalty and bestowing people with 'state awards' are frauds.

"Those issuing surat kuning (yellow letters) to the recipients are also not above the law.

"If they are caught, they will be charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and if convicted, can be jailed between a 1 to 10 years, whipping and a fine," Utusan Malaysia reported today.

Hasnan also urged the public not to buy or get any medals and state awards from unauthorized channels.

He stressed, the Perak government only recognise awards given by the state's Sultan.

Therefore, Hasnan requested the cooperation of any individuals who feel they have been deceived by fake awards to come forward and lodge a police report.

"The police are trying to locate people who have received medals and honors in the state from illegal sources to help with their investigation," he said.