SEMPORNA, December 10 – The Home Ministry, led by Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, has committed to addressing the identification document challenges faced by 12,000 students across Malaysia within six to 12 months. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), the ministry has identified students in primary and secondary schools whose lack of documentation often stems from unregistered parental marriages.
The National Registration Department (JPN) will focus on updating data and conducting outreach, particularly in rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak, to expedite resolutions and prevent such cases from impacting children’s access to education and healthcare. Speaking at the Mekar programme at SK Pulau Mabul, Saifuddin highlighted the government’s proactive approach, which includes reaching underserved communities and assisting bedridden individuals.
Recipients like Ajari Ghadari, who waited over three years for his identification card, and Abd Lajid Ammin, who secured citizenship for his five children after a lengthy process, expressed gratitude for the initiative. To date, 188 Mekar programmes have been implemented, reflecting the government’s commitment to resolving long-standing documentation issues for vulnerable populations.
