SERIOUS MATTER: Shahrizat issues a stern warning to JKM impersonators during a press conference at the ‘Kembara Nur’ programme at Kampung Sinar Budi, Jalan Batu Kawah. On the right is Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah.
KUCHING: Stern action will be taken against those who are found guilty of impersonating Welfare Department (JKM) officers to deceive the poor.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Senator Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil issued a stern warning on Wednesday stressing that her ministry viewed the matter seriously.
She added that investigations would be initiated if the deception were reported.
“To me, this is an abuse of JKM because our officers have done a good job. It is deplorable that there are people who would impersonate JKM officers to deceive the poor.
“We will investigate the issue and take the necessary actions,” she said during a press conference at the ‘Kembara Nur’ programme at Kampung Sinar Budi, Jalan Batu Kawah.
Meanwhile, JKM Malaysia chief director Hadzir Mohd Zain advised the public to lodge a police report if they believed welfare officers had scammed them.
“Do not surrender any of your valuable items to people who claim they are from the welfare department because government officers, including those from JKM, do not demand any valuable items from the public,” he stated.
As precautionary measures, Hadzir mentioned that the public must insist that JKM officers showed their official identification or documentation during their visit.
“You have the right to check whether they have been authorised to visit your home. If they do not have any form of valid identification, do not allow them inside the house.
JKM officers can only enter a house if a welfare request of the individual has been approved,” he said.