Stateless taskforce approves 5,000 applications in S’wak

MIRI: The special taskforce to tackle problems of stateless Sarawakians has todate approved over 5,000 applications for identification documents by eligible applicants in the state.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun said over 1,000 other applications are awaiting approval.

“The taskforce do not reject applications for identification documents, but needed time to verify the information submitted by the applicants.

“Some of those approved had been issued to the applicants and many more will be issued later by Prime Minister or his deputy,” he said when was met by reporters after officiating at a dinner organised by the Miri United Club (MUC) on Friday.

Entulu who chairs the special taskforce urged those who have yet to submit their applications to do so as soon as possible for their own benefit.

“In emergency situation, especially students who urgently need identification document to pursue their studies, they should refer the matter to Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah - Minister of Welfare, Community Well-Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development for immediate assistance,” he said.

Entulu who is Selangau MP added that applications have to be sent to the task force during special registration exercises organised in the state.