Malaysia: 2 Bangladeshis arrested for 'issuing fake Covid-19 test results'

Two Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in Malaysia for their alleged involvement in the issuing of fake coronavirus-negative test results to foreigners.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of police conducted a raid at two shops on Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur at 5:30 pm (local time) on Friday, and arrested the Bangladeshis for their involvement in selling the certificates. Police, however, did not disclose the identities of the duo.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim said, “The syndicate has been involved in issuing fake negative Covid-19 screening test results, each being sold for RM 50 (Tk 1,000), to foreigners for the last two weeks. At last, we have been able to arrest them.”

"The police found that the rental for the shop is RM 600 (Tk 12,000) per month and the counters -- manned by two locals -- operate daily from noon to 9:00pm," he said.

During the raid, police seized several laptops, printers, laminators, several pieces of fake Covid-19 screening test results, and RM 1,331 in cash.

Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim said the police have taken the matter seriously and will take strict action against those involved in such activities.

The cases brought against the two Bangladeshis are being investigated under Communicable Diseases (Prevention and Control) Act, 1988, and under section 6(1) (C) of immigration law, said police.

The Malaysian government reopened almost all economic sectors in the country with conditions from May 4. The government also made it mandatory for the expatriates to undergo coronavirus testing before joining the work. Taking advantage of it, some dishonest people have got involved in the issuing of fake negative Covid-19 screening test results to foreigners.

/at