Brothers receive their ICs after waiting more than 15 years
MIRI: Peter Nyawia and his younger brother Mawan were finally handed their identity cards (ICs) after waiting more than 15 years.
“We’re so happy to be recognised as Malaysian citizens and our children can now apply for birth certificates,” an excited Peter said.
The 51-year-old general worker said they were originally from Engkilili, but had no birth certificates to prove it.
“Apart from our eldest brother who had a birth certificate, my younger brother and I had none because our parents thought the process to get it was too bothersome.
“After I moved to Miri from Engkilili to look for better opportunities for my family, I realised the importance of having these documents,” Peter said.
When his brother Mawan, 49, moved to Miri about 15 years ago, they made attempts to get their ICs.
“The previous four times, our applications were rejected because we lack the papers to prove we are from Engkilili - our parents having passed away by then.
“The only option we had was DNA testing to link us to our eldest brother residing in Limbang,” he recalled.
Unfortunately, they could not afford the DNA rectification so sought Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting who kindly helped them with the application.
“I’m happy their identity issue has been resolved and they can now process documents for their children,” Ting said when met at SUPP Piasau branch yesterday.
Ting handed over the duo’s MyKads in the presence of Peter’s wife and his two children aged 12 and four years old; as well as Mawan’s wife and three children aged 12, four and three years old.
Peter’s wife Winny Lima is also getting her IC processed. Winny from Sibu told reporters that she and her two siblings’ application for birth certificates and MyKads are being processed.
“We are waiting anxiously - our application is under the reference stage (di dalam rujukan),” she said.