The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) and the National Registration Department (JPN) are set to engage in further discussions today with the Sabah State Attorney-General regarding proposed amendments to the Sabah Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance (CAP.123).
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah highlighted that the discussions aim to comprehensively assess all legal, operational, and procedural implications of the amendments. I wish to stress that any amendment to CAP.123 must first receive the agreement and approval of the Sabah State Government before it can proceed at the Federal level, he stated during the Dewan Negara’s winding-up session for the 2025 Supply Bill for the ministry.
He assured that the ministry would work diligently to ensure all processes comply with regulations, avoiding potential legal violations. Dr. Shamsul also noted that the proposed amendments are the result of ongoing consultations with the Sabah State Attorney-General’s Office (SAGC) since June 2020. These consultations have included several workshops with relevant stakeholders.
On the matter of enhancing maritime security in Sarawak, particularly around Beting Patinggi Ali, Dr. Shamsul explained that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), under KDN, will deploy at least two assets for continuous patrolling of the area. Additionally, periodic aerial surveillance will be conducted to monitor and prevent intrusions into Malaysia’s territorial waters in the South China Sea.
To further enhance our maritime security, we plan to develop the Malaysian Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA) radar in Sarawak. Given the vastness of the area, this radar will significantly bolster maritime intelligence and improve detention efforts, he said.
Separately, Deputy Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM) Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad addressed the absence of proposals for specific legislation to promote women’s participation in politics. She underscored that introducing such laws would require thorough deliberation and consensus from all political parties.
I urge all political parties to commit to providing women with equitable opportunities to serve as party leaders and candidates in elections. If every party adheres to the policy of at least 30 per cent women’s participation, this target can be achieved without legislation, Dr. Noraini stated during her ministry’s winding-up session.
In another development, Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan reported full utilization of the RM100 million allocated to the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) in 2023, with a 98.9 per cent expenditure rate in 2024. This contrasts with earlier years, from 2016 to 2022, when a significant portion of allocations for community development programs remained unused.
For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022, only about 62 to 65 per cent of MITRA’s allocations were spent, resulting in approximately RM108 million being returned to the Ministry of Finance. This represents a major loss as the funds could have been used to aid the Indian community affected by the pandemic, he said.
These developments underscore the government’s ongoing efforts to improve governance, security, and social equity through proactive engagement and resource utilization.
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