An overview of the fraud and forgery challenges in land registration system

Abstract

Fraud and forgery are two types of crime in the land registration system. Both crimes are essentially involved in the deception of making dishonest personal gain for oneself or to create loss for another. Many countries have successfully converted their land registration records from paper documents into the computerised system. In Malaysia, since 1995, many different land administration authorities have offered their services through e-government instruments such as Computerised Land Registration System (CLRS) and Electronic Land Administration System (ELAS). Nonetheless, these innovations are factored as the cause in the increase of fraud and forgery cases. This study reviews the fraud and forgery challenges in land registration system innovations related to the information ownership. The fraud and forgery challenges in Malaysia include the (i) limited power of Registrar or land administrator, (ii) lack of expertise and resources, (iii) computerised land registration system security, (iv) lack of concern among legal practitioners and commissioners of oath, and (v) the abuse of power. This study also informs the land administration authorities and practitioners about the significance and challenges to protect information against the misuse for fraudulent purpose.