KUALA LUMPUR: Some 14,000 citizenship applications filed between 2017 and June this year are still being processed by the National Registration Department (NRD).
Deputy Home Minister II Datuk Jonathan Yasin said 22,701 citizenship applications were submitted under Article 15(a) of the Federal Constitution during the period.
"Meanwhile, 316 citizenship applications for adopted children following court orders were submitted between 2018 and June 2022.
"Of the number, 200 are being processed. Citizenship for adopted individuals below 21 years old are not awarded automatically, so applications must be made (to the NRD)," he said in his speech during Dewan Rakyat's special chamber session today.
He said being born in this country did not guarantee automatic citizenship. That was determined through marriage and citizenship status of the parents at the time of birth, in accordance to the constitution and other laws.
The issue of children without documentation will only arise when the parents fail to register their birth.
"It is the responsibility of the parents to manage their child's documentation with the embassy of their country of origin of the mother.
"At least the child will be able to benefit from privileges offered by the mother's country of origin including travel documents."
The ministry and NRD would continue taking proactive steps to assist people eligible to apply for Malaysian citizenship by going on the ground and offering advice to the public.
Charles Anthony Santiago (DAP-Klang) had earlier asked the ministry to explain measures taken to address the stateless children issue in the country. .
"Some applications take four to six years before decision is made. Without citizenship, the children are exposed and not able to access facilities and services provided for citizens. They will be left behind.
"Some non-governmental organisations have previously reported mental health issues that could also affect families."