SERDANG: Malaysian Datuk Dato' Council (MDDM) has lodged a police report against nine people found to be using fake Dato, Datuk and Tan Sri titles, today.
MDDM secretary-general Datuk Samson David Maman said the police report was lodged following complaints they received on the use of fake titles by the nine people.
"We received many complaints about the use of fake titles since May 2021, which is after this association was registered on May 4 that year.
"But, today, the focus of our report is only on the nine individuals.
"I cannot reveal the identities of the nine in question. What I can say is that they are from various backgrounds," he said at the Puchong Jaya police station today. Present was the head of MCA's complaints and public service bureau, Datuk Seri Michael Chong.
Samson said they viewed the matter seriously because the irresponsible individuals were abusing the titles.
"Individuals who use fake titles are not only limited to the business sector but also from the entertainment industry, corporate sector, non-governmental organisation (NGOs) figures and others.
"These people are using fake titles because it is a matter of pride, in addition to elevating their status in the community, making them seem important.
"In fact, we have identified a whole family using fake Dato titles as well as a consulate representative who has the title of Dato claiming to have been cheated to obtain the title of Datuk Seri," he said.
Meanwhile, Chong said the Dato', Datuk or Tan Sri titles could not be bought because they could be bestowed only by the sultan or Yang Dipertua Negeri of states.
"People should remember that if they are offered to buy the title of Dato, Datuk or Tan Sri, then it is a scam.
"If there is any doubt about the status of a person's title, the public can check the website, www.istiadat.gov.my," he said.