KUCHING, Aug 17 – The Home Ministry (KDN) has received 13,000 citizenship applications in Sarawak through the Special Committee on Citizenship.
Its minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said 5,700 applications have been processed and identity documents issued, while the remainder still pending.
“There are still a few more zones particularly in the interior areas, where we have not yet completed the approval process.
“Yesterday in a meeting with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, he agreed to extend the period (to process applications) until July 2025, instead of ending this August,” he said.
Saifuddin said this after a meeting with Sarawak’s Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah on Saturday.
The Special Citizenship Committee, formed by the Federal Government and Sarawak, operates under specific provisions of the Federal Constitution covering Article 15(A), Article 15(2), Article 16, Article 19 and Article 30 .
Saifuddin highlighted that a key focus is approving applications under Section 15A for illegitimate, adopted and foster children.
“Out of 306 applications reviewed under Section 15A of the Federal Constitution, 225 were approved, and 81 were recommended for rejection,” he added.
