Cover image via New Straits Times
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A 67-year-old grandmother has been fined RM1,500 by the Kangar Sessions Court after admitting to providing false information during the registration of her grandchild's birth
According to the New Straits Times, the court heard that the misrepresentation was intended to conceal the identity of the child's biological mother.
The accused, Tan Kim Lean, entered a guilty plea after the charge was presented before Judge Nurul Natasha Rizal.
The offence, which falls under Section 36(1)(b) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, involves the intentional provision of false data to authorities.
Under this legislation, those found guilty face significant penalties, including fines of up to RM20,000, a maximum of three years in prison, or both.
The incident dates back to 12 March 2018, when Tan visited the National Registration Department (NRD) branch at the Perlis Urban Transformation Centre (UTC)
Defence lawyer Azira Aziz requested a lenient sentence, noting that Tan is currently unemployed and manages chronic health issues, specifically high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The court was informed that the accused supports five children, one of whom has a physical disability and relies on aid from the Welfare Department.
The defence also argued that this was Tan's first offence, and that the act occurred eight years ago.
However, NRD prosecuting officer Azry Ahmad argued for a sentence that would serve as a public deterrent, emphasising that the case involved the integrity of official government documentation.
After considering the arguments from both parties, the judge imposed a fine of RM1,500
The court further stipulated that failure to pay the fine would result in a three-month prison sentence; Tan reportedly settled the fine in full following the verdict.
