JERANTUT: The Orang Asli community of Kampung Sungai Keniam in Ulu Tembeling near here celebrated a milestone after they received their long-awaited birth certificates through the Menyemai Kasih Rakyat (Mekar) programme organised by the Pahang National Registration Department (NRD).
Gani Pelangi, a 44-year-old Bateq tribesman, expressed relief and joy upon receiving his birth certificate for the first time.
“At 44, I finally have a birth certificate, which completes my identity as a Malaysian,” he told Bernama yesterday.
Gani, who sells honey, emphasised how this document would simplify future processes, including registering his children for school.
“This is crucial for my children’s future. It’s a significant step forward for my family,” said the father of six.
NRD deputy director-general (Operations) Sarinah Apisah and Pahang director Mohammad Abdullah participated in the field trip that began with a journey over land to Kampung Pagi jetty.
From there, they, along with other NRD staff, travelled by boat for over an hour to reach the village.
Upon arrival, they handed out birth certificates and manually register identity cards or MyKad.
During the event, all eyes were on a 16-month-old Orang Asli baby named Shila Majid, who drew attention for having a name strikingly similar to jazz queen Datuk Sheila Majid.
Shila’s parents Majid Long, 29, and Ilin Suhari, 27, highlighted how living in a remote area had delayed their children’s birth registration.
They expressed their gratitude for the programme, which made obtaining these essential documents much easier.
“It’s both challenging and costly to travel to town.
“This programme has made the registration process for my children much easier, which will be a significant benefit for their future,” said Majid, who collects forest produce for a living.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Pahang NRD said the Mekar programme was designed to assist the Orang Asli community, reflecting their slogan.
Under the programme, 75 villagers received their birth certificates and 20 others were issued MyKad.
The department also reported that six Mekar programmes had been conducted in collaboration with the Pahang Orang Asli Development Department, processing 288 identity document applications and providing 330 advisory services as of July 23.
Pahang has the largest Orang Asli population in Peninsular Malaysia, with 95,382 individuals across three main ethnic groups – the Senoi, Proto-Malay and Negrito.
