Home Ministry Resolves Over 12,000 Documentation Issues for Students Nationwide

KUALA LUMPUR – The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) has successfully processed and resolved more than 12,000 identification document applications involving students across the country as of January 2026.

This milestone is part of a strategic government push to ensure that eligible children are not denied access to education and public services due to a lack of legal identification, such as birth certificates or MyKad.

The MEKAR DIDIK Initiative

The breakthrough was achieved through the MEKAR DIDIK program, a collaborative effort between the Home Ministry and the Ministry of Education (KPM). This outreach initiative aims to identify and register students who have fallen through the cracks of the national administrative system.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted that the program specifically targets students whose citizenship or identification status remained unresolved, hindering their academic progress.

Sabah Leads in Processed Applications

According to the latest data:

• Sabah recorded the highest number of resolved cases, with nearly 7,000 applications successfully processed.
• Selangor followed with a significant number of approvals, alongside various other states.
• Special Task Forces have been deployed to remote areas, particularly in Sarawak, to reach out to rural communities facing logistical challenges in visiting government offices.

Commitment to Human Rights and Education

The Minister emphasized that providing these documents is not just an administrative task but a commitment to the future of the nation’s youth. By securing legal status for these 12,000 students, the government ensures they are entitled to formal examinations, healthcare, and future employment opportunities.

“The goal is to eliminate documentation gaps that lead to social exclusion,” the Ministry stated. Moving forward, the government plans to further streamline the application process for those in similar situations, provided they meet the necessary legal requirements under the Federal Constitution. (Kayla Shabirah)