KUCHING: The public have been advised to be vigilant when giving out their identity card when registering for any services.
This advice came from PKR Bandar Kuching branch chairman Simon Siah, who also reminded the public to always remember to cross out the photocopy of their identity card or else they could be used by unscrupulous people to commit crime using stolen identity cards.
Siah said he was recently approached by a friend who wished only to be known as Wong who said his name and identity card number had been used without his knowledge to set up three companies namely Success Gourmet Solution, Mainland Nice Resources and Jack Connect Enterprise.
“The three companies were registered in Kuala Lumpur through the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) on July 17 last year and their registration expired on July 16 this year.
“This matter only came to Wong’s knowledge when he received a call from Telekom Malaysia on July 25 this year asking him to pay three outstanding Telekom bills totalling RM9,098.75 owed by the three companies,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Siah, who is also state PKR Youth vice-chairman, said it was only then that Wong realised that some people had stolen his identity to register the three companies and using the companies to register Internet lines with Telekom Malaysia without his knowledge.
“Wong has filed a report with SSM and Telekom Malaysia which have said that the matter was being investigated. TM even told us that this (matter) happens all the time.”
Siah said a report had also been lodged with Wangsa Maju Police Station in Kuala Lumpur but their response to Wong was that they could not do any further investigation because Wong suffered no damage.
“Such a response is indeed very appalling, especially when Wong is a victim of an identity theft. Furthermore, this kind of identity theft can happen to any of us without our knowledge.
“We will follow up this matter with the police headquarters in Bukit Aman and we will write to the police for their explanation – whether they will or will not pursue the matter.
“We also urge SSM, Telekom Malaysia and all other companies to conduct proper check before signing up anyone for any of their services. Companies should not be allowed to sign up any person without the presence of the identity card holder.”
He said in the case of Wong a young man who had just started his career this was definitely a big blow to him because it could affect his future.