The Higher Education Ministry is seriously taking steps to curb the usage of fake academic titles such as Dr, PhD, professor and Ir, among university lecturers.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the importance of integrity should continue to be maintained in higher education institutions in the country.

"The universities which were involved had taken action against those who had used fake titles and they are now under legal process.

"We need to check on the credentials. Every university has publicly displayed the names of those who have earned a doctoral degree from the university," he said when winding up debate on the motion of thanks on the royal address for his ministry at the Dewan Negara Tuesday.

Citing an example, Idris said individuals who hold the honorary doctorate title may use the Dr title but it should be used in brackets (Dr) as a sign of recognition. - BERNAMA