DECADE-LONG JPN DELAY IN IC CASE SPARKS EAIC CALL FOR SOP REFORMS

PUTRAJAYA, May 20 (Bernama) -- The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has revealed that an investigation into an identity card application handled by the National Registration Department (JPN) faced serious delays, taking more than 10 years to be resolved.

In a statement today, the EAIC said the investigation was conducted based on a complaint received under Subsection 27(4) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009.

It said the investigation found that the delay was due to several weaknesses in case management by the JPN investigating officers.

“The investigation found delays and irregularities in how the investigation papers were handled by the JPN officers, which caused a significant delay in taking action during the investigation,” the statement read. 

The EAIC also disclosed that the loss of the original birth certificate, which JPJ had impounded, affected the timeline of the investigation.

The EAIC concluded that there is a need to improve JPN’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly in setting a reasonable timeframe for follow-up actions in cases that are difficult or impossible to investigate or resolve.

The EAIC also found that the implementation of Regulation 25 of the National Registration Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2007), concerning individuals who fail to appear to give statements during investigations, should be reviewed in detail.

“It is recommended that improvements to the SOP and implementation of Regulation 25 of the National Registration Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2007) be carried out to ensure that JPN can act more proactively and effectively in conducting investigations,” it said. 

The EAIC added that the Commission Meeting No. 4/2025 held on April 8 decided to refer the findings of the investigation to the JPN director-general, along with recommendations for disciplinary action against the officers involved. 

“EAIC has decided that disciplinary recommendations under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 against the JPN officers involved should be referred to the JPN disciplinary authority for further action,” the statement read further.

-- BERNAMA