KUCHING: A total of 1,037 citizenship certificates have been issued in Sarawak from 2023 to April 2026, involving applications approved under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution.

The Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, stated that this figure reflects the government’s continuous commitment to resolving citizenship issues involving children in the state.

Citizenship certificates under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution allow the Malaysian government to register individuals under 18 years old (effective June 2026, previously 21) as citizens under "special circumstances".

This discretionary provision primarily targets illegitimate children, adopted children, and foundlings to resolve statelessness.

“The number of certificates issued, meaning applications that have been approved and the certificates processed from 2023 to April 2026 stands at 1,037,” she said.

She stated this during a press conference after chairing the Sarawak State-Level Special Committee on Citizenship Status (JKKSK) Meeting No. 2/2026 under Article 15A at the Sarawak State National Registration Department (JPN) office on Friday.

According to Dato Sri Fatimah, in addition to those who have already received their certificates, 141 further applications approved between 2023 and 2024 are currently in the process of certificate issuance.

She explained that once an application is approved, the applicant must apply for the citizenship certificate at JPN before the issuance process is managed in Putrajaya.

During the meeting, Dato Sri Fatimah informed that 32 citizenship applications were presented, involving 21 cases of illegitimate children, 10 children under care, and one adopted child.

She noted that, overall, 314 citizenship applications were received between 2024 and 8 May 2026, with the category of illegitimate children remaining the highest.

She further emphasised that the establishment of the JKKSK has significantly accelerated the application process compared to the period before the special committee was formed.

Meanwhile, she reminded the public to ensure that marriages are legally registered to avoid future citizenship issues for their children, particularly those involving foreign spouses.

Also present at the press conference was the Deputy Minister for Women and Early Childhood Development Sarawak, Datuk Rosey Yunus. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Translator: Sarah Nicole Hii
Photo by: Sarah Nicole Hii