Kuala Lumpur: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has revealed that an investigation into an identity card application handled by the National Registration Department (JPN) faced serious delays, taking more than 10 years to be resolved.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the EAIC stated that the investigation was conducted based on a complaint received under Subsection 27(4) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009. The investigation uncovered several weaknesses in case management by the JPN investigating officers, contributing to the prolonged delay.

The EAIC’s statement highlighted the mishandling of investigation papers by JPN officers, which significantly delayed action during the investigation process. Additionally, the loss of the original birth certificate, which had been impounded by JPJ, further complicated the timeline of the investigation.

The commission emphasized the need for improvements in JPN’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly in establishing a reasonable timeframe for follow-up actions in complex cases. Moreover, the EAIC recommended a detailed review of the implementation of Regulation 25 of the National Registration Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2007), which pertains to individuals failing to appear for statements during investigations.

The EAIC also disclosed that during the Commission Meeting No. 4/2025 held on April 8, it was decided to refer the investigation findings to the JPN director-general. This referral included recommendations for disciplinary action against the officers involved, in accordance with Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.

The EAIC concluded that these proposed improvements would enable JPN to act more proactively and effectively in conducting future investigations.