Five officers appointed to aid stateless individuals in Penang 

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Hui Qi (left) and Lye Kok Leong (right, representing his daughter Zhi Xuan), showing their citizenship approval letters. Rejoicing with them are YB Lim (fourth from left) and Hui Qi's parents Lim Lai Hock and Yang Cui Qing.

STATE Social Development, Welfare and non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim announced today the appointment of five officers to the Citizenship Unit of Penang state government at Komtar, George Town.

 

Since 2013, the Penang Citizenship Programme (PKPP) has been pivotal in aiding individuals facing delays in acquiring Malaysian citizenship.

 

The officers will primarily assist eligible individuals without birth certificates, and identification cards. Their task includes following up on application statuses and collecting data on stateless individuals in Penang.

 

Siew Khim (fourth from left) with her officers (from left) Nakulan, Tan, Dasirani, Yeap and Velan.

 

According to Penang Citizenship Programme statistics from February 2013 to September 2023, a total of 3,807 individuals sought assistance at the unit.

 

Within this period, 2,094 individuals filed citizen applications under various articles of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia.

 

Through the efforts of these officers, 1,719 cases were successfully completed.

 

Successful cases include individuals like Chuah Jia Ni (18 years old), Lim Hui Qi (16), and Lye Zhi Xuan (21).

 

Siew Khim (right) congratulating Hui Qi as well as her parents on her successful citizenship application.

 

Expressing her gratitude, Yang Cui Qing, 44, the mother of Lim Hui Qi stated: “I am extremely grateful to these officers and YB Lim for helping our daughter since day one. Their dedication enabled her to attain citizenship.”

 

Siew Khim emphasised the significance of the officers’ appointments, stating that their presence across different districts will enhance public service.

 

The officers will collaborate closely with the local constituents and parliamentary offices to facilitate their tasks.

 

The appointed officers and their respective districts are as follows:

  1. Yeap Choon Keong (Supervisor) – Northeast District (DTL) – Tel No: 013-4490366
  2. Velan A/L Kalimuthu – Southwest District (DBD) – Tel No: 018-3944537
  3. Joseph Tan Chuen Kheng – North Seberang Perai (SPU) – Tel No: 011-56285600
  4. Dasirani A/P Kasinathan – Central Seberang Perai (SPT) – Tel No: 012-4122375
  5. Nakulan A/L Muthumanikam – South Seberang Perai (SPS) – Tel No: 010-4620073

 

Yeap, who will be supervising the day-to-day operations, expressed his gratitude, saying:

 

“It is an honour to be recognised for my work since 2018. I am truly grateful for this appointment.”

 

Aside from today’s appointment, Siew Khim added that she would propose improvements to the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) regarding the standard operating procedures for citizenship approvals, particularly for children.

 

For assistance, individuals can visit the Citizenship Unit on Level 46 of Komtar or call 04-650 5105 or WhatsApp 011-5628 5600 or reach out to the appointed officers directly using the provided phone numbers.

 

Story by Norman Sim

Pix by Muhamad Adil Muhamad