‘Special Taskforce has approved over 5,000 ID applications’
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 does not reject applications for identification documents, but need 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 met by reporters after officiating at a dinner organised by Miri United Club (MUC) on Friday.
Entulu who chairs the special taskforce urged those 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 documents 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 taskforce during special registration exercises organised in the state.
“The exercise is still on this year and now those from other areas can also come to any registration exercise centre, for example in Selangau.
“In the past we don’t accept as there were many local applicants, but now with less locals, we do allow people from outside to come provided they bring their respective Tuai Rumah and Penghulu and only then we can process,” said Entulu.
The taskforce does not reject applications for identification documents, but needed time to verify the information submitted by the applicants. — Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department