Young woman finally receives IC with ‘K’ after years of struggle

SIBU (March 24): A 20-year-old woman has finally obtained her Malaysian identity card (IC) with the Sarawakian ‘K’ indicator after years of difficulties linked to her mother’s unresolved citizenship.

The case, involving Lau Wei Wei, whose documentation issues began at birth, was resolved with assistance from the Pelawan Service Centre under State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang.

“She is 20 years old. Today, with the assistance of our service centre under the leadership of our Kapitan Soh Teck Kee, she has successfully obtained her Malaysian IC with a ‘K’, as a Sarawakian,” Tiang said.

He explained that Lau’s father is Chinese while her mother, though an indigenous Sarawakian, had remained stateless.

“Her mother is stateless. Since she didn’t have her IC, Lau faced many challenges in obtaining a Malaysian IC with ‘K’,” Tiang said, adding that Soh and Penghulu Ting Tien Huat are now assisting the mother’s application for a Sarawakian IC.

Tiang noted that similar cases remain common across Sarawak.

“Stateless situations are widespread. According to our National Registration Department (NRD), any Sarawakian children — meaning either the father or mother is a Sarawakian — born anywhere in Malaysia can be registered with the ‘K’ prefix on their IC,” he said.

He added that the prefix carries significant benefits.

“The ‘K’ brings a lot of significance because the government has initiated many social welfare and education benefits for IC holders with ‘K’, especially for tertiary and secondary education, and recently SKAS (Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance),” he said.

He also reminded Sarawakian parents that children born outside the state may still register for the ‘K’ indicator at any NRD Sarawak branch.

Lau, who had lived her entire life without an identity card, said receiving her MyKad marks a turning point.

“For the past 20 years, I wondered if I would ever travel by plane. Now, since I have my IC, I can do it. I can also further my studies.

“I am so grateful for the help. I really hope my mum will also manage to get her IC soon,” she said.

On broader statelessness issues, Tiang said those aged 21 and below may apply for citizenship under the Federal Constitution, while older applicants may require additional procedures.

“Whether it is a tough case or a straightforward case, we will try our best to assist,” he said.