KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development has reminded parents who wish to adopt children to follow the proper child adoption process.
Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said this is to ensure that the child gets the proper documentation such as citizenship.
“There used to be cases in the state involving individuals known as ‘Aunti Kong’ (AK). These intermediaries handed over newborns to couples wanting to adopt, sometimes even providing birth certificates.
“Children used these birth certificates until they reached 18 years old and needed to apply for an identity card (IC). When their details are checked in the system, no record was found, indicating that the birth certificates were fake.
“As a result, the process needs to be restarted. Therefore, adoption must be properly conducted, and a citizenship application must be submitted.”
She said this to the media during the earth-breaking ceremony for the Kuching Autistic Association’s new educational block in Batu Kawah here on Friday (May 17).
Fatimah added that when it comes to such cases, citizenship applications would be reviewed by the Special Committee under Article 15 (A) of the Federal Constitution and for the Home Minister to approve.
“In the past, it was common for people who knew each other to request children for adoption informally. This led to adopted children being registered with the adoptive parents listed as biological parents.
“When the child later applied for an IC, there would be no birth record in the system or at clinics. Therefore, proper adoption procedures are advised.
“Biological parents and adoptive parents should go together to the district office, and the adoption can be legally processed under the Adoption Ordinance. The biological parents are interviewed to confirm their consent, and the process can be completed in a day.”
With the new adoption certificate, Fatimah explained that adoptive parents then go to the National Registration Department (JPN) and obtain a new birth certificate.
“If the biological parent is Malaysian or Sarawakian, by virtue the child will get citizenship and a ‘K’ status.”
She added that problems arise when the biological parents cannot be traced, making citizenship applications under Article 15A of the FC necessary due to improper adoption processes.
“Approval of citizenship status is crucial to ensure the education, health, and welfare of the adopted child are well taken care of.”
Regarding providing fake documents in Sarawak, Fatimah said patterns were detected in areas like Julau, Mukah, Dalat and AKs were involved.
“Currently, such cases are no longer happening. Therefore, I also urge biological mothers to come forward so that their adopted children can receive citizenship.”
