KUCHING: SUPP Public Complaints Bureau chief Milton Foo has advised the public never to lend their identity cards (ICs) to relatives, friends, or strangers warning that such actions could lead to serious consequences, including being blacklisted and facing criminal investigations.
Foo in a press conference today said with today’s advanced technology, bank accounts and companies can easily be registered online, making IC misuse a serious risk.
He highlighted the case of a 34-year-old car accessory technician, surnamed Lim, who sought his help after discovering that his IC had been misused by a friend.
“Last month, Lim received a letter from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) summoning him to attend an investigation on September 30 regarding a criminal breach of trust case involving a private limited company registered under his name,” Foo said.
Upon checking, Foo found that the company had been registered under Lim’s identity on December 19, 2023. Lim later admitted that a few years ago, his friend had borrowed his IC, though he did not know what it was used for.
Foo said the case showed how easily one’s identity could be exploited. “It is risky to lend your IC to anyone, even friends, as it can be misused for illegal activities,” he cautioned.
Following Foo’s advice, the victim lodged a police report on September 29 to clarify that he had no knowledge of his IC being used to register the company.
Foo said checks revealed that the company was likely being used as a mule account, and both the company and Lim’s name were now blacklisted by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID).
“I strongly urge the public not to lend their ICs to anyone. You may not know how it will be used, and it could cause you years of trouble,” Foo warned.
By Connie Chieng