PUTRAJAYA: Investigations must be carried out to get to the bottom of allegations of corruption in the National Registration Department (NRD), says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the department must take action against “the bad apples” within the organisation.

“Bad apples do exist but they must be stopped. I agree with the Prime Minister for action to be taken against these individuals,” he said after chairing the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) implementation monitoring committee on Tuesday (July 4).

However, Ahmad Zahid said it would be unfair to accuse the whole department for the wrongdoings of a few.

“Like the Prime Minister had pointed out, this only involved a small group of civil servants.

“Nonetheless, there should be an investigation so that we can shed some light on the claims and for action to be taken,” he added.

On Monday (July 3), during the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that he was informed of payment being asked for documents from the NRD, including citizenship.

“I want to share this information. Yesterday (Sunday), I received information about a matter that may still be under investigation.

“We want to facilitate those eligible to obtain status, including citizenship.

“But to get the certificate, it is said that payments were imposed,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that although the number of those involved in such practices was small, it should not be tolerated.