Malaysia’s fake ‘datuks’: move to launch register of genuine title holders after bogus honorifics found being sold online

Fake credentials, as well as medals, car emblems and other associated paraphernalia, have been sold online for as little as US$19,520

Police have arrested at least five people in connection with the scandal, including one suspected of posing as a member of the Kelantan royal family

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Unidentified groups have used social media platforms and online stores to sell fake credentials, medals, car emblems and other associated paraphernalia. Photo: Dreamstime/TNS

Published: 2:30pm, 9 Mar 2021Updated: 2:30pm, 9 Mar 2021

Efforts are being made to set up a new national body in Malaysia to register genuine holders of the honorific title “datuk”, after it emerged that some fake titles were being sold on social media platforms and via online stores.

Samson David Maman, an executive-council member of the Council of Federal Datuks of Malaysia (MDPM), said at a press conference on Monday that the organisation had received reports of groups offering fake credentials, medals, car emblems and other associated paraphernalia associated with the title for between 80,000 and 120,000 ringgit (US$19,520-29,279) each.

“If the awards are not from the Agong (king), sultans or governors in Malaysia, those ‘backyard’ titles, including the ones bought online, are all illegal, ” he said.

MDPM President Awalan Abdul Aziz said the request to register the new body – which would serve as an umbrella organisation registered with the Home Ministry’s Registrar of Societies – was made by Malaysia’s Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin.

Malaysia's King – or Yang di-Pertuan Agong – Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is one of the few officials who can legally grant the title ‘datuk’. Photo: Nazri Rapaai/ Malaysia's Department of Information/ AFP

“Only Melaka, Sabah, Penang, Kedah and Kelantan have their own associations. This [new national body] will help attract legitimate datuks at the federal and state levels to register as members,” he said.