Section 471 of the Penal Code 2015 (Act 574) stipulates that any individual who fraudulently or dishonestly uses a document known or believed to be forged is liable for punishment equivalent to that for forging the document. The penalty for this offense may include imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
In a recent case, five individuals faced accusations of utilizing counterfeit medical certificates dating back four years, spanning from January 24th to October 6th, 2020. They were tried and subsequently sentenced to a one-day imprisonment and a fine of RM1,500.00.
This case serves as a stark reminder for both employers and employees, emphasizing the gravity of using fake certificates, a criminal offense punishable by law. Fake documents encompass a broad spectrum, extending beyond medical certificates to include education certificates, salary slips, professional certificates, and even entire resumes. It is crucial to acknowledge the evolving challenge of identifying fake documents, given technological advancements that can even make an original certificate appear counterfeit. Therefore, employers must exercise vigilance and attentiveness consistently to avoid falling victim to fraudulent practices.
Conducting thorough background checks on employees represents the initial step in identifying and eliminating potential threats to an organization. Different positions may require varying types of checks, and it is imperative not to entrust individuals with intellectual properties without a comprehensive understanding of their background. As the saying goes, "When you completely trust a person without any doubt, you’ll automatically receive one of two things – a friend for life or a lesson for life."