Embassy’s initiative to cover MyKad replacement
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians living in the United States with identification and documentation issues can now resolve their concerns through a special programme organised by the Embassy of Malaysia.
The Malaysian embassy in Washington DC, together with the consulates general in Los Angeles and New York, had announced a Malaysian Diaspora Programme designed to assist Malaysians residing in the US and its neighbouring countries with their MyKad and personal identification-related issues.
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The Home Ministry, through the National Registration Department (NRD), will facilitate the programme from Oct 7 to 22, from 8.45am to 5pm daily at the Consulate General of Malaysia in New York.
The services provided through the Malaysian Diaspora Programme will include various identification-related processes, each with associated fees.
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Some of the services and their fees include a change or replacement of identification cards at US$3 (RM12), inquiry and printing of MyKad chips at US$2 (RM8), and MyKad application for 12-year-old Malaysian citizens and those born abroad at US$3 (RM12). The latter service is free if the application is made within 30 days from birth.
Other more specialised services come with higher fees, including extraction of a marriage registration at US$12 (RM49), MyKad first-time loss replacement at US$25 (RM103), second-time loss replacement at US$70 (RM288) and third-time loss replacement – and beyond – at US$226 (RM930).
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Previously, issues concerning Malaysians in the US were raised at a meeting involving Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and the Malaysia Association of America (MAA).
Dr Wee, who came across the plight of several Malaysians during a working trip to the US in June 2022, had then raised the matter with Saifuddin and in Parliament.When contacted, Dr Wee said the issue mainly affects those who migrated before turning 12.
“These children, born in Malaysia, couldn’t obtain a MyKad as they were under 12.
“This has made it difficult for them to apply for Malaysian passports, leaving them stranded in the US without citizenship documents.
“Some are also facing challenges in securing jobs due to the lack of proper identification,” he said.
Dr Wee noted that following a briefing by MAA earlier, he was told that about RM2mil in spending was necessary to get the NRD staff to the US to help Malaysians who were facing various identification issues.
“I am so glad that the Home Ministry has come forward to help our fellow Malaysians facing identification issues in the US.
“These individuals have always wanted to keep their Malaysian identity but have been stuck abroad, unable to return and consequently face numerous problems,” he said.
Further talks with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that some Malaysians faced similar issues in Saudi Arabia.
To access the Malaysian Diaspora Programme services, applicants must make an appointment through the MyTemuJanji system at mytemujanji.jpn.gov.my/mytemujanjipublic/, with all transactions to be made in cash only.
New users should sign up by providing their email address and other necessary details, while existing users can log in using their credentials.
Users can then select the preferred date and time within the provided schedule, fill in the required personal information and submit their application.
According to a spokesman from the National Registration Department, applicants can either show the printed appointment slip or a digital version of it on their mobile phone.
“They should bring along the original birth certificate or original ‘Borang H’, which is the form that registers overseas births, to the embassy,” said the spokesman.
Applicants should also take note that appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to availability.
For enquiries, they can contact the consulate general via email at mwnewyorkcg@kln.gov.my or call +1 (212) 490 2723.
They can also stay updated by following the “Consulate General of Malaysia, New York” page on Facebook and Instagram.
Dr Wee said the programme offers a good opportunity for Malaysians in the diaspora to resolve their identification issues conveniently and efficiently, with straightforward guidelines given on the consulate general’s social media platforms.
“I want to extend a big thank you to the minister and the embassy for their timely and right decision to assist these people.
“This initiative is long overdue and will finally resolve their issues once and for all,” he said.
“I am hopeful that the application process will be smooth for those affected,” he added.
