Addressing documentation problems of longhouse folk
MIRI: A team from Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Senadin and the National Registration Department’s (JPN) special mobile unit ( UKB) paid a visit to Rumah Panting, a longhouse located at Jalan MiriMarudi on Monday.
The team was headed by SUPP Senadin’s public complaints bureau operations chief Erick Chin, representing Senadin assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin.
According to Erick, the visit was to help longhouse folks without MyKad and birth certificates apply for the two identification documents.
“A total of 68 cases (without proper identification documents) have been recorded but only 55 new applications for the identification documents have been received.
“The cases involved those who have registered for the application process in UTC (Urban Transformation Centre), nonlocal applicants as well as those who do not have any supporting documents to complete their application,” he disclosed.
UKB took two days to carry out the operation to seek out those with documentation problem, aided by Rumah Panting’s security and development committee (JKKK).
Sad to see many Sarawakians still without identification documents, Erick hoped the authority concerned can help guide the applicants in applying for the needed documents.
Rumah Panting, located at Jalan Miri- Marudi, can be reached within 30 minutes from Miri as the road has been upgraded and is in good condition.
“With this good road, we hope all operations to help fellow Sarawakians obtain identification documents can be carried out smoothly,” said Erick.
He added that among the problems faced by the folks applying for their MyKad or birth certificate was not having clear information on the application process from National Registration Department (JPN) officers.
“Some applicants did not understand the procedure and did not seek further clarification.
“Some are illiterate, did not understand what was written by JPN on their initial application receipt, and keep going back to check on their application, incurimg huge expenses.
“In the end, they decided to keep the receipt for years,” he said, hoping the setting-up of UKB will help longhouse folks overcome such problems.