KUCHING: DAPSY Kuching Chief George Lam has called on the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Kuching Branch to immediately lodge a police report over alleged misuse of personal data from senior citizens, which he claims was used to apply for and distribute counterfeit or non-compliant Kenyalang Gold Cards.
Lam urged the Sarawak Ministry of Women, Children and Community Welfare Development to commence an urgent investigation into the matter, stressing that any act of forgery must be treated as a serious criminal offence under Section 466 of the Penal Code, which carries a punishment of up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine.
His statement was made in response to SUPP Kuching’s recent clarification issued through the press, which Lam described as a “feeble attempt” to downplay a deeply troubling issue. He alleged that instead of protecting the private data entrusted to them by senior citizens, SUPP allowed its members to abuse the information gathered during mobile service programmes to produce fraudulent cards.
“This is not just a mistake; it’s a disgrace,” said Lam. “SUPP’s actions demonstrate a total disregard for the trust placed in them by the elderly. They chose deception and forgery over ethical service. Can such a party still be trusted by the people?”
Lam further questioned how many fake or non-compliant cards may have already been issued and called for a full investigation to determine whether any civil servants were involved, particularly in leaking the card’s design, which may have facilitated the forgery.
He also urged the Welfare Department to review SUPP’s role as an official welfare proxy, noting that the current arrangement, which allows the party to assist with applications and distribute the Kenyalang Gold Card, poses significant risks for abuse.
In his closing remarks, Lam encouraged all elderly individuals who obtained their Kenyalang Gold Cards through SUPP Kuching to visit the Welfare Department for verification. He assured that DAP is ready to assist any affected individuals and will provide support through its service centres.
“We will do everything we can to help them seek justice and ensure that those who deceive the people are held fully accountable,” he added.
By Connie Chieng