Gerik: The National Registration Department (NRD) conducted a total of 3,607 Menyemai Kasih Rakyat (MEKAR) programmes throughout last year, of which 732 were MEKAR Community programmes using a proactive "on-the-ground" approach.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the NRD stated in a recent announcement that the department will maintain this approach as a demonstration of the MADANI Government's commitment to inclusivity and social justice, ensuring no eligible citizen is overlooked. The NRD emphasized that the MEKAR Community Programme will continue to deliver national registration services inclusively, focusing on communities in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
In a recent effort, the NRD MEKAR Community Programme ventured into the Royal Belum Forest near Gerik to distribute identification documents to the Orang Asli community. This initiative benefited 31 recipients in Kampung Sungai Kejar and 21 recipients in Kampung Sungai Tiang, Banun Resettlement Scheme (RPS). The documents distributed included MyKad, Birth Certificates (Late Registration), and MyKid, which are crucial for accessing government services like subsidies, financial aid, education, and healthcare.
The programme aims to alleviate the challenges faced by these communities, who predominantly work as forest foragers, village workers, and fishermen. Previously, accessing NRD services required long, costly journeys, taking nearly two hours to reach Gerik Town. By bringing services directly to the communities, the NRD simplifies the registration process, reinforcing the MADANI Government's commitment to equal service provision for all eligible citizens, regardless of their location.
The initiative was executed by the Perak State NRD in partnership with the Perak State Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA). The mission was overseen by NRD Director-General Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias and senior NRD management, with the participation of the Deputy Director of JAKOA Perak and Kedah, Kairul Amilin Ibrahim; Hulu Perak and Baling District Orang Asli Development Officer, Zakaria Mohd Nor; and the Tok Batin (Village Chiefs) of both villages.