In a statement, Rela denied that it used the private information of individuals to enlist them as members without their permission as this went against Section 6(1) of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).

It also pointed out that anyone who wanted to join Rela was required to write in their application to the Rela director-general, based on the Malaysia Volunteers Corps Act 2012 (Act 752).

“Rela takes note of the public’s concern and will take the necessary action in conducting an internal probe to identify the membership registration procedures before Act 752 came into effect.

“Rela will not compromise with anyone who intentionally processed or used an individual’s personal information without the individual’s permission,” it said.

Those who were registered without their knowledge and want to terminate their membership may contact 03-88703770 or email here.

Rela also said it was in the process of removing inactive members and those who have completed their five-year period, although this was temporarily suspended as the volunteer corps was assisting with implementing Covid-19 measures.

Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong was among those who complained about their involuntary registration, with him and his wife “conscripted” into Rela without their knowledge.

Sim shared an image on Twitter with his registration details, showing that he had been a Rela member since 2011 and had his own platoon code.

Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil urged for a full investigation into the use of people’s personal data, questioning whether the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) had been violated.

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