Three suspects, all in their 30s, were taken into custody in Pekan on June 15 following allegations that they were involved in selling and forging medical leave certificates. The arrests came after the District Health Office filed a report on June 10 regarding the fraudulent documents. Among those detained were a mechanic, a workshop owner and a cleaner, who are believed to have functioned as intermediaries in the operation.
According to Pekan police chief Supt Mohd Zaidi Mat Zin, the scheme came to light when someone reported purchasing a forged certificate from a local individual. That person had allegedly obtained the document from a government clinic in exchange for payment. The certificates were being traded for sums ranging from RM50 to RM200.
Investigations revealed that the medical officer whose signature and details appeared on the certificates had been transferred to another workplace in 2023. Additionally, the stamp used on the documents was outdated and no longer authorised for use. This evidence suggests the operation had been running for some time, with the three detainees actively recruiting buyers and handling transactions.
Police are currently pursuing the primary suspect, thought to be a female government employee working at a clinic, who allegedly provided the forged medical leave certificates to the intermediaries. Officers believe the entire operation was structured and coordinated, with each participant assigned specific responsibilities in the sales network.
The three arrested individuals are scheduled to appear before Pekan Magistrate's Court for a remand hearing. Investigators are proceeding under Sections 468 and 420 of the Penal Code, which cover forgery and fraud offences respectively.
