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

A four-wheel-drive vehicle from the National Registration Department (JPN) is used to enter challenging terrain to take part in the Registration Literacy Programme in conjunction with the 78th National Registration Day celebration at the Kelantan state level in Pos Balar, Gua Musang October 13, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Tuesday, 13 Oct 2026 5:57 PM MYT

GUA MUSANG, Oct 13 — Orang Asli children should not be left without documentation because of issues involving their parents’ marriage records, said National Registration Department (JPN) director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias.

He said JPN would assess each case based on the facts, supporting documents and individual circumstances to determine the appropriate action, particularly for birth registration.

He said the department respected the customs and culture of the Orang Asli community, but customary marriages and the legal requirements for marriage registration had to be assessed in accordance with the applicable laws.

“Children should not be left without documentation assistance just because their parents face marriage record issues. We respect customs, obey the law and help find solutions,” he told reporters after attending the Registration Literacy Programme held in conjunction with the 78th state-level National Registration Day celebration at Pos Balar here.

Badrul Hisham said each case had to be assessed individually, with no automatic conclusions drawn about the recognition of customary marriages without considering the specific facts and circumstances.

He said 143 New Generation MyKads had been issued to the Orang Asli community in Kelantan through the MEKAR Programme, which brings registration services closer to the community.

He clarified that the figure referred only to MyKads issued through the programme and did not represent the total number of new MyKads issued to the Orang Asli community in the state.

JPN was also obtaining identification data from the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to determine how many Orang Asli in Kelantan did not have a MyKad or birth certificate as of 2026.

“The data will be used to help JPN review records and mobilise the MEKAR Programme, thereby ensuring that identified cases receive follow-up action and appropriate documentation assistance,” he said.

He said the total number of Orang Asli without the documents could not yet be confirmed as JPN had not received the data from JAKOA.

On another matter, Badrul Hisham said JPN had also identified issues involving permanent resident card (MyPR) or red MyKad holders, but the latest total was still being verified before it could be announced.

JPN stressed that each case had to be assessed based on the individual’s status and documentation to ensure the appropriate action was taken. — Bernama