Rela denies registering unsolicited members, vows to investigate

 

The People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) has denied that it had registered individuals as members without their knowledge and permission.

This came after the uniformed body was criticised following complaints by many, who claimed that they had been made Rela members without registering for it.

"Rela would like to stress that it is not true that we had been using personal data of individuals to automatically register them without permission," the corps said in a statement today. 

According to the corps, which is under the Home Ministry, such an act also contravenes the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, and Section 7(1) of the Rela Act 2012.

The latter stipulates that any citizen above the age of 18 (except for members of the armed forces or any other voluntary scheme bodies) can apply to join as a member by writing an application to its director-general.

However, Rela also pointed out that it had a law dating back to 1996 which stated that every man who has reached the age of 18 and not more than 55 has to serve as a member of the corps.

However, this law was repealed in 2005.

Hence, Rela said that it will conduct an investigation on how members were registered before the Rela Act was enacted, and vows to leave no stones unturned.

"We are aware of the people's concern, and will take the appropriate action by conducting an internal investigation to identify how members registration was conducted before the Rela Act came into force.

"Rela will not compromise if any individual or party is found to have deliberately processed or abused people's personal data without the person's permission."

Rela had come under fire after a link to check one’s membership went viral on social media and some who filled in their identity card number discovered that they had been part of the corps since 2011.

The website underwent maintenance after the allegations were issued.

Netizens, as well as an MP, were outraged after finding out they had unknowingly been made Rela members, alleging that their personal data had been compromised to claim Rela allowances.

Rela also urged those who were registered without their consent to call 03-88703770 or email pro_rela@moha.gov.my if they wish to cancel their membership.  - Mkini