Orang Asli children should not be denied documentation over parents’ marriage records, says National Registration Dept

The National Registration Department (JPN) in Malaysia has stated that Orang Asli children should not be denied documentation due to issues with their parents' marriage records. Director-General Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias emphasized that JPN would assess each case individually, considering the facts, supporting documents, and the specific circumstances of the children.

He reiterated that the department respects the customs and culture of the Orang Asli community but noted that customary marriages and legal marriage registration requirements must be assessed in accordance with applicable laws. The JPN has issued 143 New Generation MyKads to the Orang Asli community in Kelantan through the MEKAR Programme, which aims to bring registration services closer to the community.

However, the total number of Orang Asli without documentation remains unclear as JPN awaits data from the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA).

Brief written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.