Gua Musang:An identity card and a birth certificate hold significant importance for the Orang Asli community in the interior of Gua Musang, acting as crucial tools for accessing education, employment, and essential services, according to National Registration Department (NRD) director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, obtaining these identity documents poses a challenge for residents in remote areas due to long travel distances, difficult routes, and the costs associated with reaching government offices. To address this, the NRD has implemented an outreach approach to ensure that registration services are accessible to communities in need.
Datuk Badrul emphasized that identity documents are fundamental for various aspects of life, such as education, employment, banking, and marriage. He spoke at the Registration Literacy Programme during the Kelantan-level celebration of the 78th National Registration Day at Pos Balar, highlighting the documents' significance not just as administrative tools but also as symbols of hope and future opportunities for recipients.
The NRD director-general stated that the department's responsibility extends beyond merely processing applications or issuing documents. It includes assisting the public in accessing services, especially when they face difficulties. The NRD team experienced the challenging journey along rain-soaked logging roads and through remote villages, gaining firsthand insight into the residents' struggles.
During their visit, the NRD received various complaints, particularly concerning adult members of the Orang Asli community lacking birth certificates. In response, the department plans to organize a special programme to assist the community in resolving these documentation issues.
The outreach approach has allowed the NRD to better understand the needs of residents without easy access to government facilities. This year's National Registration Day, themed 'Identiti Amanah Negara', was held at Pos Balar to bring services closer to remote communities.
Datuk Badrul stressed the importance of safeguarding an individual's identity through proper registration from birth to death, ensuring compliance with regulations. He expressed gratitude to agencies and parties that supported the programme, including the National Anti-Drugs Agency, the Health Department, Agrobank, the Social Welfare Department, and Sekolah Kebangsaan Balar.
The NRD aims to return to Pos Balar to evaluate the impact of the programme and continue its outreach efforts to communities needing registration services.