SIBU, Dec 12: A total of 100 applications have been received for the temporary documents issued to individuals without citizenship (DSITKS) since the process started on Nov 1.
According to Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, they hoped that more stateless individuals below the age of 21 would apply for the temporary document.
“When the new school term begins on March 20 next year, we want children whose citizenship status have not being determined yet, can get to school if they have DSITKS,”she said at a DSITKS roadshow for community leaders today.
Three DSITKS roadshows have been held from September to December this year.
Fatimah said DSITKS is an initiative of the Sarawak government which started this year to givr stateless children an opportunity to access education and health facilities.
“This temporary document is issued to individuals below 21-years-old born in Sarawak. Only those who have applied for citizenship under Article 15A of the Malaysia Constitution can apply for this temporary document. So it can only be used in the State,” she emphasised.
It will be issued within 37 working days from the date of application.
The document is valid for a two-year period and can be extended if the holder still fails to obtain citizenship.
“Education is the basic right of every child irrespective of their race, religion and family social status. So the State government is issuing this temporary document to children without documents,”added Fatimah. — DayakDaily
