PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has revealed that an investigation into an identity card application handled by the National Registration Department (NRD) faced serious delays, taking more than 10 years to be resolved.
It said the investigation found that the delay was due to several weaknesses in case management by the NRD investigating officers.
“The investigation found delays and irregularities in how the investigation papers were handled by the NRD officers, which caused a significant delay in taking action during the investigation,” the agency said in a statement yesterday.
It said the investigation was conducted based on a complaint received under Subsection 27(4) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009, Bernama reported.
It also disclosed that the loss of the original birth certificate, which the NRD had impounded, affected the timeline of the investigation.
The EAIC concluded that there is a need to improve the NRD’s standard operating procedures (SOP), particularly in setting a reasonable time frame for follow-up action in cases that are difficult or impossible to investigate or resolve.
The EAIC also found that the implementation of Regulation 25 of the National Registration Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2007), concerning individuals who fail to appear to give statements during investigations, should be reviewed in detail.
“It is recommended that improvements to the SOP and implementation of Regulation 25 of the National Registration Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2007) be carried out to ensure that NRD can act more proactively and effectively in conducting investigations,” it said.
The EAIC added that Commission Meeting No. 4/2025, held on April 8, decided to refer the findings of the investigation to the NRD director-general, along with recommendations for disciplinary action against the officers involved.
Meanwhile, the NRD, in a statement later yesterday, said it had taken note of the EAIC’s findings and would respect the oversight and supervisory functions carried out by the EAIC.
“Based on the findings shared, the NRD took every recommendation seriously, including suggestions for improvements related to managing investigation papers, keeping important documents safe, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and enforcing Regulation 25 of the National Registration Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2007).”
Following this, the NRD is currently implementing and will continue to carry out several improvement measures, reviewing and streamlining investigation SOPs to ensure greater efficiency and alignment with good governance principles.
The department will also enhance document management and storage systems to prevent any loss or negligence.
Aside from that, the NRD will set reasonable timelines for the resolution of complex investigation cases as well as conduct refresher training and competency enhancement for investigation officers.
It will also consider disciplinary action, as recommended by the EAIC, against officers found to be negligent or who failed to properly conduct investigations in the case concerned.
“The NRD remains committed to prioritising transparency, integrity, and efficiency in every aspect of its service delivery to the public,” it added.
