PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, June 25, 2025 — The National Registration Department (JPN) has responded to renewed viral claims alleging that Pakistani nationals are obtaining Malaysian blue identity cards (ICs) in Sabah, following a similar controversy in 2019. The claims, accompanied by images of ICs, suggested that the JPN Sabah office is frequently crowded with Pakistanis applying for citizenship.
In a media statement, JPN clarified that it has investigated the allegations. Regarding one case involving an IC holder named Mohd Izaz Bin Abit, the Deputy Public Prosecutor has directed legal action after discovering the individual used another person’s birth certificate to obtain the IC. The card has been confiscated following confessions from the individual and the facilitator of the application.
JPN also verified the citizenship status of other individuals mentioned in the viral claims. According to the department, Abd Rauf Bin Hamzah and Said Bashar Bin Shah Zadar are Malaysian citizens under Article 14(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, with the latter’s father confirmed as a Malaysian citizen since March 6, 1958. Similarly, Mohd Abzah Ulamai Dar holds citizenship under Article 14(1)(a).
The department emphasized that applications for Malaysian citizenship are subject to stringent requirements under Part III of the Federal Constitution, the Citizenship Rules 1964, and relevant laws governing marriage registration, adoption, child legitimation, and immigration regulations. Applicants bear the burden of proving eligibility, and approval is not guaranteed, as Malaysia does not grant citizenship arbitrarily or with special privileges.
JPN, a department under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for registering vital events such as births, deaths, adoptions, marriages, and divorces, as well as determining citizenship status and issuing identity documents to eligible individuals.