HAVING identity cards and birth certificates are essential for the Orang Asli community to access education, employment and other matters.
However, obtaining them is no easy task for those living in remote areas as they have to bear the cost of travelling long distances through challenging routes to a government office.
“The National Registration Department (NRD) has adopted an outreach approach to ensure such registration services are delivered to communities in need.
“Identity documents are essential as they form the basis for various matters, including education, employment, banking and marriage,” NRD director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias said at an NRD registration literacy programme held at Pos Balar near Gua Musang, Kelantan.
The programme was held in conjunction with Malaysia’s 78th National Registration Day.
The journey to Pos Balar, which traversed muddy logging roads, gave the NRD team a glimpse of the challenges faced by residents.
Badrul Hisham said the importance of such documents should not be viewed merely in terms of administrative procedures.
“To the recipient, the document may be something they have been awaiting a long time.
“It represents hope for a smoother life, greater opportunities and the confidence to move forward,” he said.
Badrul Hisham said the NRD constantly reminded its officers that the department’s responsibility was not limited to processing applications or issuing documents.
“If the people can come to us, we should welcome them in the best possible manner.
“But if they are unable to come to us, then we must go to them,” he said, as reported by Bernama.
Badrul Hisham said his team also received complaints from residents concerning the birth certificates of adult members among the community.
As such, the NRD plans to organise a special programme to help them resolve their issues.
