Baby trafficking: NRD DG says no compromise if officers involved

PUTRAJAYA: The National Registration Department (NRD) views seriously an Al Jazeera documentary report which on Friday, linked NRD officers with a baby-selling syndicate in the country.

Its director-general, Mohd Yazid Ramli said the department would not compromise if NRD officers were indeed, involved in such dealings (with the syndicate).

"Stern action will be taken if the allegations are found to be true," he said in a statement.

The documentary entitled, 'Malaysian Babies For Sale', also touched on the falsification of birth documents made possible with the help of NRD officers.

Mohd Yazid said the NRD registered the birth of every child without prejudice, regardless of the child's status.

"If all the conditions are met and documents submitted upon application are in order and complete, the application can be accepted and processed for a birth certificate to be issued," he assured.

The director-general said every birth registration conducted over the registration counters would be checked by supervisory officers who would ensure both original and photostated copies of documents, forms as well as information recorded in the system were in order.

"Once everything is complete and in order, only then will the supervisory officer issue the birth certificate.

"However, if the application is incomplete or does not comply with the procedures, the birth registration will be postponed until the applicant furnishes the department with all the required documents and information," noted Mohd Yazid.
Meanwhile, Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said all medical practitioners are expected at all times to observe proper standards of personal behaviour in keeping with the dignity of the profession.

"All private healthcare facilities and services in Malaysia are controlled and regulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 and its subsidiaries.
"It is the responsibility of the healthcare facilities' certificate/license holders to ensure that all the practices in the centres are within the legal ambit of any written laws in Malaysia," he said in a statement.
He said the ministry has already initiated an investigation specifically towards the doctors and healthcare facilities highlighted in the documentary.
"Depending on the result of the investigations, actions will be taken accordingly towards the doctors and healthcare facilities.

"This might include disciplinary actions by the Malaysian Medical Council, which may lead to deregistration (struck off) of the doctor from the Medical Register under the Medical Act 1971," he added. — Bernama