I REFER to the letter written by Edward Andrew Luwak, chairman of DAP’s Serian branch of which he concluded fines imposed for late registration of births will lead to more rural children being stateless. 

Being the DAP Serian chairman, I take it his statement is made in the context of Sarawak of which some parts of the interiors do pose a logistical challenge for parents to register their newborn.

However, as Andrew pointed out, the fine is based upon on the amendments to the Births and Deaths Registration and Adoption Act (Act 299). 

Andrew, as a Sarawakian politician, should realise this act is not enforceable in Sabah and Sarawak. 

For issues relating to births and deaths, Sarawak is governed by the Birth & Deaths Registration Ordinance 1951 (Cap 10) Sarawak. 

In other words, the suggested fine is not applicable to Sabah and Sarawak. 

In case his statement is made upon the context of Peninsular Malaysia, I would like to point out in the amendment of Act 299, we included Subsection 1A of Section 12 which gives the authority to the registrar general the power to reduce or waive the fine according to guidelines set by the ministry. 

This means there are still venues for consideration in terms of special cases. 

Late registration will lead to many complications, such as getting the required vaccination shots from government hospitals and clinics for the first six months after birth. 

With UTC, RTC, mobile JPN counters and JPN offices around the country, two months is ample time for parents in Peninsular Malaysia to register their newborn. 

Every Malaysian must not take lightly the issue of their registered identity and their citizenship status. 

* Nur Jazlan Mohamed is deputy home minister 1

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.