3,607 MEKAR PROGRAMMES CARRIED OUT IN 2025 BY NRD

IPOH, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The National Registration Department (NRD) conducted a total of 3,607 Menyemai Kasih Rakyat (MEKAR) programmes throughout last year, 732 of which were MEKAR Community programmes utilising a proactive "on-the-ground" approach.

In a statement released tonight, the NRD informed that the department will continue this approach as a manifestation of the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensuring that principles of inclusivity and social justice are strengthened, guaranteeing that no eligible citizen is left behind.

"NRD will continue to implement the on-the-ground approach through the MEKAR Community Programme to ensure access to national registration services is delivered inclusively, especially to communities living in remote and hard-to-reach areas," the statement read.

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In a recent initiative, the NRD MEKAR Community Programme travelled deep into the Royal Belum Forest near Gerik to hand over identification documents to the Orang Asli community. The mission comprised 31 recipients in Kampung Sungai Kejar and 21 recipients in Kampung Sungai Tiang, Banun Resettlement Scheme (RPS).

The documents handed over included MyKad, Birth Certificates (Late Registration), and MyKid. The NRD noted that these documents are vital for recipients to access essential government services, such as subsidies and financial aid, Education and Healthcare services.

The programme specifically aims to lighten the burden of these communities, who are largely forest foragers, village workers, and fishermen.

"Previously, they had to travel long distances without road access, taking nearly two hours to reach Gerik Town while incurring significant cost to obtain NRD services. 

The presence of the NRD team directly in their area has simplified the registration process and proves the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensuring every eligible citizen receives equal service, despite living in difficult-to-reach locations," the statement said.

The programme was implemented by the Perak State NRD in collaboration with the Perak State Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA). The mission was joined by NRD Director-General Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias and senior NRD management.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Director of JAKOA Perak and Kedah, Kairul Amilin Ibrahim; Hulu Perak and Baling District Orang Asli Development Officer, Zakaria Mohd Nor; and the Tok Batin (Village Chiefs) of both villages.

--BERNAMA