BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & ANNABELL NAJA TOMMY
KUCHING: Siblings Anastasia and Jones Bejie have finally received their identification cards (IC) after their pleas went viral on social media.
The duo gained prominence earlier this year when they shared their struggles of living in Kuching without identification cards, which ultimately grabbed the attention of the Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Ministry.
Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said when she read the news on the two siblings, she knew that the matter could be resolved as it only involved the issuance of citizenship.
“They have birth certificates, but not identification cards. Thus we immediately contacted the Sarawak National Registration Department (JPN) so that the next step can be done.”
She also shared that because their age was over 16 years old, the process of applying for the identification card would be through the procedure of Late Identification Card Registration (DLKP) at JPN.
“The process is not as difficult as back in the day when the children reached 12 years old.
“For this one, if the person registers their identification card later, there are procedures that they need to go through such as the interview and the evidence itself. So it’s already been done by them.”
Fatimah also said that she would like to make sure that all children in Sarawak have identification documents.
“In cases like Anastasia and Jones, which is unheard of, they would go through multiple procedures, but once it is compiled properly, the process would be easy.”
Speaking to reporters, Jones said it felt like a breath of new life after receiving his long awaited identification card.
“Before I had my IC, I felt sad. The challenge is real and scary. I remember once being detained by the authorities at my place because I didn’t have the card. They gave a warning that if I didn’t register for IC, I will get detained,” he said.
He also shared that it took him and Anastasia at least six months to finally get their respective identification cards.
Jones added that he looked forward to opening a bank account under his name to better manage his day to day spending.
Anastasia, on the other hand, recalled the challenges that she had to face prior to getting her identification card.
“Whenever I go to work or any other place, it would be very difficult. I feel scared whenever the authorities are around…they would go and check my workplace and what not.”
Both siblings also expressed their thanks to Fatimah and JPN for helping in registering for their identification cards.
