KUCHING: Efforts to address issues relating to personal identification documents and citizenship status among children in Sarawak are being further strengthened through joint and integrated initiatives by both the Sarawak Government and the Federal Government.

Sarawak Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, during her official working visit to the National Registration Department (JPN) Sarawak, emphasised that this strategic cooperation is crucial to ensuring the rights and welfare of children affected by the lack of citizenship status.

“The Sarawak Government remains committed and ready to work hand in hand with the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Registration Department, to resolve this complex issue in a systematic and compassionate manner,” she said in her speech during the visit on Friday.

One of the key initiatives resulting from this collaboration is the establishment of the Sarawak-Level Special Committee on Citizenship Status (JKKSK), which functions to screen applications for citizenship under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution before they are brought to the federal level.

Since its formation, the committee has processed dozens of applications involving children born out of wedlock, adopted children, and children under guardianship.

In addition, the implementation of the Special Task Force Programme (PPK) by the Sarawak Premier’s Department in collaboration with JPN Sarawak demonstrates both parties’ strong commitment to accelerating the processing of identification document applications.

From 2023 until now, more than 13,000 applications have been received, with nearly half already approved.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Government has introduced a additional policy allowing the inclusion of the ‘K’ indicator on the identity cards of children granted citizenship under Article 15A.

This is to ensure their identity is recognised in accordance with their parents’ status as permanent residents of the state.0

She stressed that this collaborative approach not only speeds up the application process but also reduces the number of children left behind due to the absence of valid documents.

“This is a shared responsibility between the Sarawak and Federal Governments to uphold every child’s fundamental right to identity, education, and healthcare,” she added.

The official visit was also attended by several strategic state agencies, including the Sarawak Attorney-General’s Chambers, the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), and the Administration Unit of the Sarawak Premier’s Department. -UKASnews