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The National Registration Department (JPN) has received about 50 applications from Malaysians seeking to amend the ethnic status on their identity cards to Baba Nyonya
According to Bernama, JPN director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias said 11 applications have been approved to date.
He said each application is carefully reviewed to ensure it is supported by strong evidence and meets all stipulated requirements before approval is granted.
"So far, around 50 applications have been received and 11 have been approved. Applications are processed from time to time. It is not limited to the Baba Nyonya community, as members of the local Siamese community have also submitted applications," he told reporters today, 2 January.
A pilot initiative was launched in October last year to allow members of the Baba and Nyonya community in Melaka to register their ethnicity on identity documents
The move was widely welcomed as a long-awaited recognition of the Peranakan identity, ahead of its nationwide implementation in January 2026.
Badrul Hisham reiterated that the JPN registration system allows for updates and amendments — including changes to names, titles, and ethnic status — provided applicants submit valid and strong supporting documents.
He also said the department is working to enhance its end-to-end service system, noting that all amendment applications currently have to be made in person at JPN offices.
