Cover image via Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A father of 10 broke down in tears after eight of his children officially received birth certificates from the National Registration Department (JPN)
Zainal Abidin Miskan, 51, and his wife Jannaton Naimah Rohani, 36, said their eight children, aged between 2 and 14, had never been registered at birth due to challenges such as frequently moving homes.
"I'm overwhelmed today. My children finally have their birth certificates, and it feels like a huge burden has been lifted," said Zainal.
"I'm grateful to everyone who helped our family, including the village chief, various government agencies, and JPN.
"We've lived a hard life — I work in the village and my wife doesn't work. I hope my children can go to school and help change our family's future through education," he said, adding that his two eldest kids, aged 15 and 17, had earlier received their birth certificates.
The certificates were presented by JPN deputy director-general (Management) Raja Azlal Raja Azman in Johor Bahru
Raja Azlal explained that the Program Menyemai Kasih Rakyat MEKAR Madani, Rakyat Disantuni initiative began in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to reach Malaysians without identification documents, particularly those in remote areas, the sick, Orang Asli, and persons with disabilities.
"Without identification cards, it's difficult for these individuals to handle daily matters or access their rights as citizens. JPN goes into villages and forests to make sure no Malaysian is left behind," he said.
The programme also collaborates with the Education Ministry under Program Mekar Didik, launched in November 2024, to assist students without birth certificates, MyKad, or citizenship certificates, reported Harian Metro.
