by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 18: A total of 106 individuals from the districts of Miri, Marudi and Beluru have received their Sarawak Bumiputera recognition certificates, made possible through the Sarawak Native Recognition Application System (SARAS), a digital platform launched in September 2024 to simplify the application process.
According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala the implementation of SARAS marks a significant step towards addressing long-standing challenges in the native recognition process,.
This is especially when the previous definition of ‘native’ was considered unfair and made the recognition process difficult.
The system is also more transparent, fast and people-friendly, thus making it easier to apply for Bumiputera status recognition.
“Before the constitutional amendment, many missed out on the opportunity to be recognised as a native of the state due to the definition being too ‘rigid’.
“With the amendment and implementation of SARAS, the application process is easier, fair and transparent, in accordance with the law and the interests of the people of Sarawak,” he said at the Sarawak Native Recognition Certificate Presentation Ceremony for Miri, at the Miri Resident’s Office, yesterday.
To qualify, applicants must be Malaysian citizens and biological children of at least one Sarawakian parent. Adopted children are not eligible for the same recognition.
Since its launch on September 2, 2024, SARAS has allowed online applications via the Sarawak Official Service Portal with a processing fee of RM100. The digital platform aims to make the process faster, more transparent and people-centric, while safeguarding the rights and future of Sarawak’s diverse communities.
This digital system is also seen to be able to safeguard the interests and provide broader justice for the future of the people of Sarawak. – DayakDaily
