Bukit payong: The National Registration Department (NRD) has processed 1,575 applications to shorten lengthy names on birth certificates since the year 2024. This was revealed by the department's director-general, Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias, during an event at the Kampung Padang Tanjung Mosque.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias stated that the department received 719 applications in 2024, followed by 624 in 2025, and 232 applications have been recorded this year so far. He emphasized that while the NRD serves as a registrar and does not restrict the length of names during registration, they advise the public on potential future challenges associated with lengthy names. He noted that many parents eventually opt to amend and shorten their children's names.

Badrul Hisham highlighted the department's readiness to assist individuals wishing to amend or shorten names, encouraging them to visit any NRD counter for assistance.

In another significant development, the NRD is finalizing preparations to implement amendments to Article 15(2) of the Federal Constitution. These amendments pertain to granting automatic Malaysian citizenship to children born overseas to Malaysian mothers. Previously, such children had to apply for citizenship if their fathers were non-citizens. The director-general explained that this amendment aims to correct the imbalance affecting mothers and has received majority support in Parliament. The department is now awaiting the enforcement date for this amendment.

Earlier in the day, Badrul Hisham, a native of Kampung Padang Tanjung, participated in a community event where four cows were sacrificed and distributed to villagers. Additionally, he officiated the opening of a new dining hall at the mosque, constructed through the NRD's MADANI Adopted Village allocation for 2025, intended to serve as a community hub for local activities and programs.