Hanoi:Old birth certificates, including handwritten paper documents, continue to be valid and do not require replacement, as confirmed by National Registration Department (NRD) director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Badrul Hisham stated that individuals who want a birth certificate in the new format can apply for an extract at any NRD office for a fee of RM5, with the process taking under five minutes. He emphasized that all birth certificates, regardless of whether they are older or newer versions, remain valid.

He highlighted the significance of birth documentation in establishing a legally recognized identity, which is crucial for individuals to access their rights and services as Malaysian citizens.

The NRD is actively reaching out to communities, including the Orang Asli in rural areas, to provide access to registration and documentation services. Despite being unable to provide exact figures for the number of Orang Asli without MyKad or birth certificates, the department identifies those who seek its services.

Awareness efforts on the importance of personal documentation are ongoing, with outreach programs and collaboration with relevant agencies, aiming to ensure comprehensive inclusion in the national registration system.