The time given for birth registration in Sarawak should be extended to be the same as Malaya’s, especially in light of Sarawak’s vastness and limited rural infrastructure.
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah pointed out that in Sarawak, newborns should be registered within 42 days of birth so as not to be considered late registration, while the duration is 60 days in Malaya.
“In Sarawak, the number of late registrations is high. Our geographical factors have to be considered, such as our vast area. Also, logistic challenges faced by the rural folk have to be taken into account,” she said.
She said this in response to the National Registration Department (NRD) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh who on Monday (November 11) reassured that late registration of births in Sarawak would not be discontinued.
She remarked that extension of Sarawak’s registration period of 42 days to 60 days was ‘logical’ and should be done.
Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil also supported such an extension.
“The current double standard criteria of requiring newborns to be registered within 42 days in Sarawak and 60 in Malaya should not exist.
“If it should exist, it should be the other way round as the infrastructure in Malaya is many times better than that in Sarawak,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
He felt that this should be rectified by the agency concerned as he believed this was a “gross injustice” for Sarawakians.
The Marudi assemblyman shared that many in his constituency, particularly those in very remote areas, still did not have identity cards (ICs) or birth certificates.
“What surprised me is that they were born, raised, and grew up in the longhouses, have children and grandchildren, and when they wanted to make their ICs or birth certificates, they were required to do a DNA test – which many of them cannot afford,” he said.
He felt that this was unnecessary, adding that verification by a Penghulu or Tuai Rumah was sufficient proof that they were born and raised in Sarawak.
“Some of them are already 60 years old or older,” he said.
Penguang expressed his hope that the exercise for late registration would continue, taking into consideration the circumstances faced by Sarawakians, particularly those residing in remote areas.
Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh also welcomed such an extension.
“We cannot just think about obstacles on the journey alone, but we have to also think about the cost involved when they have to travel to the nearest town.”
He said that his constituency had good roads and the distance to the nearest town was quite short, so it was fortunately not a huge issue there. However, for other more affected areas, he suggested that NRD reach out to remote areas more often.
Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said that the issue was manageable in his area as they worked closely with NRD, but other areas may face various difficulties.
“NRD has done roadshows in our area,” he said.
Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu revealed that his constituency had no issues with regards to birth registrations as those born at Betong Hospital would be assisted with registration by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and service centre staff.
“We also provide them with a baby hamper and free van transport to town,” he said.
He shared his suggestion for an NRD officer to be present at the hospital to facilitate the registration process.
“If not, they should go around to these localities,” Gerald said.
