PROTECTING THE HONOUR OF THE UNIFORM : ADDRESSING ATM IMPERSONATION AND PUBLIC DECEPTION

Could you spot the real one?

Acknowledgement of Appreciation : I wish to extend sincere appreciation to the former Information Officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces (J9 BHEA (PAD), distinguished members of the ex–Armed Forces fraternity, and officers from the former Intelligence Corps and other relevant enforcement agencies for their invaluable insights, factual verification, and professional guidance. Their continued commitment to upholding the honour and integrity of the nation’s defence institutions is both acknowledged and deeply appreciated.

As scams involving the impersonation of Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel continue to escalate, questions arise about how public institutions can better verify identity and protect citizens. Beyond financial losses, these acts threaten the honour and credibility of genuine servicemen and veterans.

In the United States, the act of impersonating a member of the military is known as “stolen valour.” It is taken very seriously with some ex-Marines and law enforcement officers actively identifying and reporting offenders who falsely claim military service or wear uniforms they did not earn. 

In Malaysia, similar concerns are growing as individuals attempt to pass off as members of the Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM), often for personal gain, social prestige, or to deceive the public. The need to recognize the difference between a real soldier and a fake one has therefore become increasingly important, not only to protect national image but also to uphold the dignity of those who have truly served.

The official and legal position in Malaysia

a. Only Authorized Personnel May Wear Armed Forces Uniforms

Under the Armed Forces Act 1972 (Act 77) and related regulations, wearing any uniform, insignia, or decoration of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) without lawful authority is prohibited.

This includes ministers, VIPs, or civilians unless they are:

• Commissioned or honorary officers, officially gazetted by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces); or

• Granted permission in writing by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for a specific ceremonial or official purpose.

b. When Non-Military VIPs May Wear Uniforms (Legally)

There are limited exceptions:

• Honorary Ranks: Some individuals (including ministers, royalty, or distinguished civilians) may be granted honorary military ranks by royal consent and through MINDEF’s recommendation, 
  
  
• Ceremonial or Joint Exercises: Civilian officials may wear designated attire (not actual service uniforms) during official joint exercises or remembrance events but these are usually clearly distinguished from operational uniforms.

c. Misuse or Impersonation

If a person wears a military uniform to gain influence, respect, or deceive others, it is an offence under:

• Section 140, Armed Forces Act 1972 – unlawful use of uniform or military emblems,

• Penal Code (Section 170) - impersonating a public servant or member of the armed forces,

Punishments may include fines and imprisonment.

d. Suppliers

Shops that sell military uniforms are required to obtain a special license from MINDEF and are strictly prohibited from selling such items to individuals without proper identification or official authorization or risk losing their licenses and blacklisted . Regular clothing retailers (online or offline), on the other hand, must ensure that their products do not replicate or closely resemble official military attire. Even footwear must not match the standard issue used by the armed forces.

8. ACTION/VERIFICATION

 If you want to verify someone’s veteran claim

• Ask for their JHEV Veteran Card (Kad Veteran ATM),

• Check with JHEV portal or hotline : they can confirm if the person is registered,

• Cross-check the unit or regiment name (e.g., 19 RAMD, 5 RRD, 10 PARA) : real veterans know details like location, motto, and camp names.

 9. COMMON FAKE EX-SOLDIER TRICKS

• Claims to be ex-Komando or ex-Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL) : the most impersonated units,
• Uses veteran status to sell fake military gear or to gain trust in scam,
• Claims to have “high-level contacts” in MINDEF or the Palace,
• Tries to use “military language” to intimidate or sound authoritative.

One of the most common tactics used by fake ex-soldiers is to claim they suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), often to gain sympathy, social status, or financial assistance. Some may even show edited photos or staged videos of themselves in military settings to appear convincing.

If such claims raise suspicion, the matter should be reported to the authorities such as the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) or the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)  for proper verification. With a court order, and in compliance with medical and confidentiality laws, the relevant agencies may verify the individual’s service and medical records through official army hospitals or other designated institutions.

This ensures that genuine veterans receive the respect and support they truly deserve, while impostors are held accountable for their deception.

10. REAL VETERANS

They rarely need to prove their service. You’ll sense it from their: (some things cannot be faked, it comes naturally with veterans)

• Discipline,
• Humility,
• Patriotism without boasting,
• Brotherhood with other ex-servicemen

11. CONCLUSION

The growing trend of impersonation involving members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) is not merely a criminal act of deception, but an affront to the honour, discipline, and sacrifice of those who have truly served the nation.

In contrast, fake soldiers often imitate what they see in movies or television dramas, mistaking fiction for reality. or they may be influenced by relatives or friends who serve in the armed forces, leading them to mimic what they only partially understand.

But the truth is - the real deal is nothing like what’s shown on screen or superficial understanding of seeing relatives or friends. Military life is built on honour, hardship, and unwavering commitment, not theatrics or borrowed glory.

Public awareness, coupled with institutional vigilance, remains our best defence against such exploitation. It is therefore essential that every claim of military affiliation be verified through proper channels, and that the public continue to respect genuine servicemen and veterans who uphold the dignity of the uniform. In protecting the integrity of the ATM, we also safeguard the trust, pride, and unity that form the foundation of our national security.