A 20-year-old stateless Malaysian is stateless no more after receiving her Malaysian identity card (MyKad) after facing difficulties all her life due to her mother’s stateless status.
Sarawak State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang, took to his Facebook page to share the good news.
He wrote, “At the N54 Pelawan service centre, I had the privilege of witnessing a truly meaningful moment. A 20-year-old young woman, Lau Wei Wei, after years of challenges, has finally obtained her Malaysian identity card (MyKad) – one that carries the Sarawak ‘K’ code.”
“Her journey was far from easy. Due to her mother’s long-standing stateless status, she faced numerous difficulties in securing her identity documents since childhood. Thankfully, through the collective efforts and cooperation of many parties, this issue that has affected her for 2 decades has finally been resolved.”
He went on to explain how the young woman has always watched planes flying in the sky and wondered how it felt to board one, and now, with her newly obtained MyKad, her dream to board a plane can finally come true.
“Beyond the ability to travel freely, she can now continue her education and pursue her future. This is not just an identity card, it is a gateway to opportunities.”
‘K’ for Sarawak
This image is for illustration purposes only.
Datuk Michael Tiang also highlighted how the Sarawak ‘K’-coded MyKad, which signifies that the holder is a recognised Sarawakian native, carries special privileges and autonomy rights under Sarawak state laws.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that, according to regulations, if either parent is a Sarawakian, a child born anywhere in Malaysia is eligible to apply for a Sarawak ‘K’-coded MyKad. The ‘K’ is not just a letter; it represents access to various educational opportunities and social benefits.”
“Cases like this are still quite common in Sarawak, and we will continue to do our best to assist those in need. Where the case is simple or complex, as long as you come forward, we will do our utmost to help,” he added.
He ended his post by sharing his hope that the young woman’s mother will also obtain her identity card soon so that the mother-daughter duo can travel and fulfil their dreams together.
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Also read: No MyKad, No Job, No Food: Uncle Kentang Rallies to Help Stateless 23yo Chinese Man in Kuchai Lama
