Before entering a gated neighbourhood, we would normally need to give our driver’s license or, in some cases, our Identification Card (IC) to the security guard for verification before going in.
However, did you know that unauthorised people are not allowed to hold your IC?
Yep, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM, Polis DiRaja Malaysia) shared that holding or keeping someone else’s IC is a punishable offence, according to Regulation 25 of the National Registration Regulations 1990.
Clearing the air once and for all, PDRM shared on their page that there are only FIVE authorised officers who can ask and hold your IC, and they are;
- Police officers. Don’t forget to check their police ID before you give your IC to them.
- JPN (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) officers
- Customs officers
- Any officers/public officers with permission from JPN’s director-general
- Army officers who are on duty
If any unauthorised person is found guilty of holding another person’s IC, they can be jailed for up to three (3) years and/or get fined for not more than RM20,000.
So, if someone asks for your IC the next time, make sure you check if they are authorised to do so because not just any Tom, Dick and Harry can hold/keep your identification card.
Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family as a reminder!
Also read: PDRM: You Can Be Jailed for 10 Years If You Carry These Weapons Around For Self-Defence