KUCHING: A total of 183 citizenship applications were tabled at the meeting of the Sarawak State-level Special Committee on Citizenship Status (JKKSK) Article 15A here.
Of the total, 108 applications fall under the category of illegitimate children, children under guardianship (70 cases) and adopted children (five cases).
Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the majority of cases involved mothers who are non-citizens.
“We see this as the main contributing factor to the high number of applications under the illegitimate children category,” she said after the meeting on Monday (Jan 19).
“Therefore, I would like to advise couples who marry non-citizens to ensure that their marriages are properly registered.
“After marrying overseas, re-register the marriage upon returning to the country. Do it correctly, because a child’s citizenship status can be obtained through a properly registered marriage,” she said.
A total of 282 applications were recorded from 2024 to 2026 (as of January).
Fatimah also urged the public to ensure that marriages, as well as births and deaths, are properly and accurately registered.
“We consistently stress that this must be done correctly. The Malaysian government wants to ensure that all related matters are properly recorded. This is mandatory,” she said.
A total of 282 applications were recorded from 2024 to 2026 (as of January).
In a separate development, the programme also featured a symbolic handover of the Maternity Assistance (BIB) and the Sarawak Endowment Fund (EFS) to eligible Sarawakian children.
As of December 31, 2025, a total of 17,597 EFS accounts had been approved and opened, while 16,999 BIB applications were approved and payments disbursed.
