By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 19: Claims that Sarawak’s Non-Sarawakian Identity Card (NSIC) lacks federal recognition are inaccurate, with the card formally recognised by the Federal Government in 2024 for eligible non-Sarawakian workers in the State.
According to Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, the recognition followed an official meeting co-chaired by the Sarawak government and the Immigration Department of Malaysia in Putrajaya on Feb 2024.
During the meeting, both parties agreed that the NSIC would be implemented under the Foreign Worker Transformation Agenda (FWTA) framework as the designated identity card for eligible non-Sarawakian workers in Sarawak, replacing the federal i-Kad, which was not used in the State.
“Subsequent coordination involving the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Sarawak Labour Department and Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (SSEU) had resulted in the card being fully operationalised,” he said.
He said this when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) complex today.
Addressing concerns over the availability of integrated services, Sikie said the Immigration and Labour Integrated Centre (ILC) in Kuching had been operational since early 2026, while the Sibu centre began operations in September this year to serve the Central Region.
The Miri ILC is scheduled to open in early 2027 as renovation works enter their final stages.
Meanwhile, the Bintulu and Mukah centres are scheduled to become operational towards the end of 2027. — DayakDaily
