KUCHING: The issue of some segment of Sarawakians without MyKad and birth certificates should be resolved by next month, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said he hoped that this could be done before or by December for the benefits of the affected people.
“We want to resolve this issue as soon as possible as we do not want the people especially children in Sarawak to face problems when pursuing education or obtaining government assistance,” he told reporters after visitting Sarawak police headquarters here today.
Zahid said he had received numerous complaints involving Sarawakians including Iban, Penan and other people in the interiors without MyKad or birth certificates.
“I was told that these group of people were qualified to obtain the identification documents but they faced problems in submitting applications.
“I have discussed the matter with (State Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister) Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah on what we can do to immediately resolve this issue,”
Zahid said he had instructed the state National Registration Department to form a special team to resolve the problem.
“The team will be assisted by another task force under the supervision of (Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department) Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun, who will help folks especially in the interiors apply for MyKad or birth certificate.
“I will personally monitor this process with the help of Deputy Home Minister Datuk Masir Kujat, who will provide updates on issues affecting the people.
On a separate issue, Zahid said the ministry would investigate if there was any truth to a news report in a Malay daily which had claimed that rogue policemen were aiding illegal gambling syndicates in the country.
“Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun had recently announced an all-out-war against any forms of illegal gambling activities in the country.
“He had also said that police would not compromise with anyone protecting illegal gambling dens.
“This applies on police or anyone from enforcement agencies, who are helping syndicates run illegal businesses,” he said.