No need to replace old birth certificates, still valid, says NRD; new copies cost RM5

GUA MUSANG, October 12 — Birth certificates, both old and new, remain valid according to National Registration Department (NRD) director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias. He stated that those seeking a new format birth certificate can apply for an extract at any NRD office for a fee of RM5, and the process takes less than five minutes.

Badrul emphasized that birth certificates are never invalid, regardless of whether they are from the older or newer generation. He spoke after a Registration Literacy Programme held in conjunction with the 78th National Registration Day celebration in Kelantan at Pos Balar. The NRD director-general stressed that birth documentation is crucial in establishing a legally recognized identity, enabling individuals to access their rights and services as Malaysians.

The NRD continues to engage with communities, including Orang Asli in rural areas, to ensure they have access to registration and documentation services. He could not provide exact figures on the number of Orang Asli who have yet to obtain a MyKad or birth certificate, as the department can only identify those who approach its services.

Badrul emphasized that ongoing awareness efforts on the importance of personal documentation are necessary through outreach programs and cooperation with relevant agencies to ensure no one is left out of the national registration system.