Over 55,000 babies born during MCO and conditional MCO period

MORE than 55,000 babies were born since the movement control order (MCO) kicked off on March 18.

There were more baby boys than girls, with sons making up 52% of the total 55,798 registered births recorded by the National Registration Department (NRD).

The data, made available to Sunday Star, was collected during the MCO and conditional MCO period between March 18 and June 9.

Selangor had the highest number of births (9,825), followed by Johor (6,857) and Kelantan (4,680).

However, the NRD says the numbers may be higher, as not all parents have registered their children’s birth yet due to MCO restrictions.

On April 19, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that registration of births and deaths during the MCO period will be allowed to be delayed up to 90 days from the date the MCO period eventually ends. Normally, all births must be registered with the NRD within 60 days in Peninsular Malaysia and 42 days in Sabah and Sarawak. Failure to do so would result in a fine, according to news reports.

“This will give ample time to parents. At the same time, it is a precautionary measure to avoid congestion at NRD counters and, hence, prevent the spread of Covid-19,” the NRD explains.

To register births, parents need not bring their babies along.

They are in fact discouraged from doing so to avoid any possible exposure to the coronavirus.

“A limited number of people are allowed at one time following the MCO’s standard operating procedures, which include social distancing and meeting by appointments only,” the NRD says.

Currently, all NRD service counters are open on normal working days; however, they only operate based on appointments made online.

Those who wish to book an appointment date should go to mytemujanji.jpn.gov.my.

The public can also visit the NRD’s official website for more information at jpn.gov.my.

“We have also taken necessary steps in preventing and controlling the spread of Covid-19 at our offices.

“This includes conducting daily temperature checks for staff and members of the public before they enter our premises and providing hand sanitiser to encourage hand hygiene,” says the NRD.

Social distancing measures are also practised in NRD branches, with only a limited number of people allowed inside to ensure physical distancing of 1m.

“Common areas such as pantries, walkways, counters and waiting areas are also regularly sanitised for the health and safety of the public,” the NRD says.