Kuala lumpur: The Dewan Negara today passed five bills, including two under the Home Ministry and one each from the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), the Works Ministry, and the Finance Ministry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the bills are the Legal Aid and Public Defence Bill 2025, Fees (Pengkalan Kubor Ferry) (Validation) Bill 2025, Compulsory Attendance for Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2025, National Registration (Amendment) Bill 2025, and Consumer Credit Bill 2025.

The Legal Aid and Public Defence Bill 2025 was approved by a majority voice vote after being debated by 10 senators. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said stated that the bill offers legal aid in court and advisory services for those seeking legal guidance. She highlighted that individuals can request legal opinions online, providing broader access beyond traditional legal aid offices.

Azalina noted that access to such services is challenging for rural communities and those with limited awareness of their legal rights. The government aims to enhance delivery mechanisms and engagement efforts to ensure inclusivity, aligning with the MADANI government’s institutional reform agenda.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah discussed the National Registration (Amendment) Bill 2025, which introduces biometric records, including fingerprints, facial, and iris recognition, to reduce identity fraud and ensure accurate document issuance. This initiative aims to improve efficiency in government services and support identity verification for various sectors such as subsidies, education, healthcare, and elections.

He added that the enhanced biometric database would strengthen national security, border control, and cross-border crime detection. It will also aid investigations by linking suspects with crime scene evidence.

The Dewan Negara sitting will resume on Monday.