Several individuals, including high-ranking government officers, were nabbed by the police for their alleged involvement in the issuance of fake MyKad to a Chinese national, reports Harian Metro.

They were detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) during a special operation where police uncovered a fake MyKad syndicate last week, said a source.

This came after a police report was lodged by the Penang Immigration Department over a Chinese woman who applied for a Malaysian passport using a legitimate MyKad but was unable to communicate in the national language.

It is learnt that the woman, in her late 20s, had presented her MyKad when she came to the state immigration office to apply for a Malaysian passport.

"However, doubts were raised on her citizenship status as she had a problem in communicating with the officer on duty.

"She failed to answer all questions in Bahasa Malaysia and only smiled when the questions were posed to her," said the source.

The immigration department then lodged a police report.

The source said the police report led to the special operation which detained several individuals and uncovered a syndicate which sold RM350,000 worth of MyKads.

It was understood that the group had sold more than six MyKads.

Malaysiakini has attempted to contact Penang Police chief T Narenasagaran for comment.