NRD to assist in resolving Purait’s stateless status

KUCHING: The National Registration Department (NRD) is looking into legal avenues to assist stateless Lun Bawang senior citizen Purait Arun, who urgently needs treatment for his tumor.
 
Referring to an article by The Vibes on Feb 3, 2023, titled ‘Stateless S’wakian with Large Tumour Seeks Home Minister’s Aid for Citizenship’, the NRD said Purait had attempted to exchange his Green Identity Card (KPP) for the temporary resident identity card (MyKas) in 2022 but was denied due to records indicating his birthplace as Indonesia.
 
The department stressed that MyKas is exclusively issued to individuals born within Malaysia, and their citizenship status cannot be determined otherwise.
 
“Despite this, NRD is committed to examining legal provisions and regulations to support Purait’s case, prioritising his well-being.
 
“The NRD Lawas branch will also reach out to Purait and his family to provide explanations and suitable advisory services promptly,” the department said in a statement.
 
Towards this end, NRD emphasised balancing humanitarian considerations with its duty to uphold the Constitution, laws, and regulations for the safety and sovereignty of the country.
 
The Vibes had reported that the 76-year-old Purait, whose plight gained attention from health activist Agnes Padan, is grappling with a significant health challenge — a large tumour on his left arm that requires urgent treatment.
 
Padan revealed that over the past decade, the tumour, now the size of a melon, has developed, emphasising the critical need for medical intervention.
 
Compounded by his stateless status, Purait faces restricted movement within the state.
 
Born in the highlands of Ba’kelalan in 1948, Purait and his siblings resided in Pa’Tawing in Ba’Kelalan even before the formation of Malaysia.
 
His marriage to Dari Lakai in a Long Semadoh church on Oct 28, 1968, prompted him to relocate with his family to Kg Batu Mulong in Lawas several decades ago.
 
While Purait’s wife and 10 children hold Malaysian citizenship, he is left with an expired MyKas green card issued on March 29, 1971.
 
For the record, in the early 1900s, the Lun Bawang ethnic group, residing in the highlands, moved freely between Ba’kelalan, Long Pasia, and Long Bawan, with no defined borders or boundaries.
 
As such, his lack of a valid identity card prevents him from reaching the nearest medical facility capable of conducting the necessary tests — the Miri Hospital, located 258 kilometres away.