Special task force formed to address identification issues in Sarawak

The National Registration Department (NRD) has formed a special task force to address personal identification issues in Sarawak.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the task force, which would collaborate with other agencies, was placed under the supervision of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun.

"The special task force will go to longhouses in remote areas to process applications for personal identification documents of Pribumis who were born and live in Sarawak.

"It will study and gauge the seriousness of the issues and will act in accordance with the provisions of the law," he said in a statement here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minister today chaired the first meeting of the Committee On Personal Identification Documents In Sarawak at his office.

Personal identification services are provided by 53 NRD offices and branches, Kuching Urban Transformation Centre and Sibuti Rural Transformation Centre.

In addition, the people in remote areas can use services provided by the Special Mobile Unit which helped 55,207 people from 2004 to Aug 31.

"The NRD will redouble efforts to reach out to people in the interior to address the lack of identification documents among the people of Sarawak," said Ahmad Zahid.

He said the meeting discussed personal identification documents such as MyKad, marriage certificate and birth certificate.

"Personal identification documents are basic reference to gain access to services such as education, health, welfare, banking and others.

"Malaysians must ensure that their marriages are registered as provided for under the law so that births can be registered with the NRD."

He added that failure to do so would affect the identification and determination of a person's citizenship.