MEKAR: JPN RECEIVES 5,523 APPLICATIONS AS OF FEBRUARY THIS YEAR

By Norhayati Mohd Akhir

PUTRAJAYA,  April 4 (Bernama) -- The National Registration Department (NRD) has received 5,523 applications for personal identification documents through the Menyemai Kasih Rakyat (MEKAR) Programme as of last February.

Its director-general,  Badrul Hisham Alias, when contacted by Bernama, said 5,013 field advisory services were also provided through the implementation of 358 MEKAR series nationwide.

bootstrap slideshow

 “The states that recorded a high number of applications through MEKAR are Sarawak and Sabah. Most of the applications are for identity cards, including new ones and replacement of lost or damaged identity cards, as well as birth registrations,” he said.

Regarding the MEKAR programme, he said, it was previously known as the JPN Outreach Programme.

He said the programme,  divided into five categories, namely MEKAR Ihsan, MEKAR Community, MEKAR Identity, MEKAR Pahlawan and MEKAR Diaspora, targets the elderly, persons with disabilities (PwDs), bedridden patients, the mentally ill and those who are unable to attend any NRD office.

It is to ensure all citizens have valid identification documents no matter where they are, he said.

To ensure sustainable, integrated and safe services to the target group, he said, the digital ecosystem will continue to be incorporated into MEKAR, including access for citizens to submit identification document applications online.

“This is to ensure the programme is easier, faster and more user-friendly. Continuous announcements via social and conventional media will be intensified and streamlined,” he said.

Meanwhile, Badrul Hisham said the department is targeting to organise at least 1,700 MEKAR programmes nationwide this year.

"The service through MEKAR operates daily at several locations according to needs, including remote areas that are difficult to access in the country," he added.

-- BERNAMA