Academics and employers are getting worried over the increasing trend producing fake degrees to obtain job or even as a status symbol.

The Chairman of the Vice-Chancellors and Rectors Council Tan Sri Dr Abu Hassan Othman commented that this practice is seriously tarnishing the country?s image as an education provider for the region. The council does not condone such practices.

He said that most local universities have diligent quality assurance procedures in place and carry out checks and cross checks like calling up referees before considering an applicant for a job. As such, universities could not afford to be lax or take qualifications at face value.

The Higher Education Ministry also urged the public and employers to be wary of bogus universities and institutions offering Doctoral degrees ? online or through agents. They should check with the Public Services Department, the Ministry of Higher Education or the relevant professional bodies if they are unsure of the authenticity of PhD qualifications. It takes three to five years to get a PhD degree (after a first degree) and if anyone who claims to have obtained it in a shorter time might not have obtained it through the proper way.

As further assurance, the current regulations require that all online degree programmes to go through a recognised private higher educational institution. The institution is also required to register with the National Accreditation Board and the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.

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