PETALING JAYA: Individuals using fake Datuk titles are being checked by the Council of Datuk Dato’ Malaysia (MDMM), says its secretary-general.
Datuk Samson Maman said the council had started to look into complaints made by the public and it had already detected discrepancies as some “Datuks” were not in its database.
Samson said in one case, a businessman had suddenly removed his Datuk title from his Facebook account after being approached.
“But the media has referred to him as a Datuk for years,” he added.
MDDM president Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz said the council would work closely with the police to weed out fake Datuks in the country.
“We take this very seriously as these titles are accorded by the Malay Rulers and are our nation’s honorifics.
“Those who violate the law and continue to violate it must be prepared to face the consequences of their actions,” he added.
Awalan said this was an offence under the Awards Act, adding that it included those who received such titles from foreign countries that were not recognised in Malaysia under the Act.
“We will be submitting our reports to the relevant authorities, including the police,” he said.