Baby trafficking probe: NRD confirms officers arrested by MACC

PUTRAJAYA: The National Registration Department (NRD) today confirmed that its two officers were among several individuals arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) around the Klang Valley yesterday on suspicion of being involved in a baby trafficking syndicate.

Its director-general Zamri Misman said that the two NRD officers nabbed by MACC were suspected of being involved in the activities of birth certificate and MyKid syndicate.

He said it was the result of strategic cooperation between NRD and MACC where NRD had shared the results of its internal intelligence with MACC which led to the arrest of the officers.

"The department will continue to provide full cooperation to the MACC to complete the investigation," he said, adding that the department would not compromise on any misconduct by staff involved in issuing identity documents illegally," he said in a statement today.

The media reported MACC arrested several individuals including specialist doctors and NRD officers on suspicion of being involved in a baby trafficking syndicate, where they were suspected of conspiring to prepare false documents to allow hundreds of illegitimate babies or illegal immigrant babies to be registered with the NRD.

Zamri stressed that the NRD will not protect any staff found to be involved in activities that may affect the security and sovereignty of the country, and appropriate actions and punishments will be imposed if the detained officers are found guilty.

He said the NRD is always committed to ensuring that there are no violations of the integrity of this kind by implementing continuous improvement of the procedures for issuing identity documents as well as various programmes to strengthen the integrity of its staff.

"In fact, periodic internal investigations and continuous cooperation with other law enforcement agencies is also part of this department's undivided efforts to ensure that there is no room for irregularities and misuse of power by irresponsible parties," he said.

-- BERNAMA