KUCHING: Unregistered associations, clubs, companies and partnerships in the state that frequently conduct activities are advised to register under the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
Sarawak Director of ROS Georgina Apphia Ngau said, they would approve the application to set up an association as long as it does not distort or threaten national security.
“We need to give this awareness to the public when the association has many followers but is not registered.
“This is because the terms of the association include clubs, companies, partners or organizations having seven or more members with the same objective,” she said in a press conference on Thursday.
Georgina asserted that unregistered associations can be charged under Section 43 with imprisonment of not more than three years or fined not more than RM5,000 or both.
“If the goals are in term of welfare, recreation, social, trade, human rights and politics, it is better register as an association.
“In fact, groups through social media such as Whatapp or Telegram also can be registered as an association,” she explained.
He said it would also be an offense when the association had to publish in newspapers where they had branches in other parts while the reality was not so.
In the meantime, Georgina addressed the issue of an association in Sarawak claiming to be defamatory through a recent English newspaper while the association was unregistered.
“How could you (associates) claim to be defamed as an association while you are not register with us?
“In fact, we have heard from public on their concerns about unregistered associations but have many followers,” she added.
She firmly said that if there were complaints of any association, the ROS Compliance Division would conduct an investigation.
Georgina also said that there were associations that are not registered in the state are now being taken to court.
