KUALA LUMPUR: The appearance of fake vaccination certificates is like an accident waiting to happen, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye(pic).

       The Alliance for Safe Community chairman said it was an inevitable consequence of anti-vaxxers wanting to enjoy the freedoms that have been extended to those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

       "However the anti-vaxxers should be made to know that they can’t have their cake and eat it.

       "Yes, it is their right (at least for now) not to be vaccinated, but it is wrong for them to endanger the lives of those already vaccinated," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 25).

       Forging vaccination certificates is a heinous crime, Lee added.

       "The miscreants are dicing with death. They should be severely dealt with.

       "The police have said that this act is a violation of the law and culprits are liable to be fined up to RM100,000.

       "Perhaps the penalty should be increased, including confiscation of their passports and incarceration for an extended period," he added.

       Lee said the police are attempting to determine the extent of this ruse as reported by some private clinics, which have allegedly been offered up to RM1,000 for a fake certificate by callers.

       "It is important for the police to act fast. The results of their investigation should be widely publicised so as to restore confidence in the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme," he added.

       Lee said the results of investigations into fake vaccine shots being administered should be made public as well.

       "Since this matter affects the people directly, they have the right to know all the facts, and the authorities have a duty to reveal the facts.

       "Restoring public confidence is crucial for the success of any government initiative," he said.