SANDAKAN: Mobile services from the National Registration Department (NRD) will be deployed to replace identification documents that were destroyed in the Kampung Bahagia fire, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said mobile teams would be sent to the affected area to assist with replacing documents such as birth certificates, MyKad and MyKid, while the Immigration Department would handle passport replacements.
However, acknowledging ongoing concerns over citizenship status, the Prime Minister gave his assurance that the government has existing records.
“We have records, so there should be no concern. We will ensure that all forms of documents are replaced, and the cost will be borne by the government.”
Anwar acknowledged that some victims have yet to register due to concerns over possible action being taken against them.
“I want to give assurance that at this point, our focus is on their safety and welfare.
“This is not the time for us to strictly enforce laws, although in the long term we will have to advise them to follow the usual registration process.”
The Prime Minister said discussions on long-term redevelopment for Kampung Bahagia, which used to be a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camp for Filipinos, would be carried out with the Sabah government.
Previously, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that about 70% of the 9,000-odd fire victims are not Malaysians.
On Tuesday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said registration and identity document replacement processes for the fire victims would be examined on a case-by-case basis.
He said the ministry would not adopt a blanket approach and would prioritise genuine Malaysian citizens who lost their documents in the fire.
