KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development has received a total of 715 applications for Temporary Personal Documents for Individuals Without Citizenship in Sarawak (DSITKS) as of Aug 16 this year.
Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that in a recent special committee meeting, the ministry processed 306 new DSITKS applications, of which 225 were approved and 81 were rejected.
“From the total mentioned earlier, a large number has been approved, and for those that were not approved, we advise them to apply again.
“It does not mean that once you fail, you cannot apply again. You can apply again.
“We at the state government level will assist in facilitating the process to ensure that all necessary documents are attached along with the application form,” she said.
Fatimah said this during a press conference after the Special Committee Meeting on Citizenship and Issuance of Temporary Documents for Stateless Individuals here Saturday.
She explained that the state government has agreed to issue temporary documents to individuals without citizenship while waiting for the status of their citizenship applications.
Fatimah stressed that citizenship applications are crucial, especially for Sarawakians born in the state, to obtain the ‘K’ indicator in their identity cards.
“The ‘K’ indicator is essential for applying for state government scholarships, entering state universities, and securing employment without the need for a permit.
“How can you apply for ‘K’ when the requirement is that you must be a citizen first before you can get ‘K’?” she added.
The press conference was also attended by Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Development Datuk Rosey Yunus.
Following the press conference, Fatimah presented DSITKS certificates to seven individuals aged 21 and below, including children.
