In an eye-opening revelation, former Malaysian Minister of Youth and Sports, Syed Saddiq, shared the distressing story of 21-year-old Malaysian citizen Melissa Aurellia from Penang, who, despite being born, raised, and educated in the country, still lacks a proper Identification Card (IC). Syed Saddiq, in his Instagram post, underscored Melissa’s predicament, shedding light on the challenges she has faced due to the absence of this essential document.
Melissa, a young Malaysian with her citizenship and IC number clearly stated in her birth certificate, has been denied the opportunity to pursue her secondary education because she lacks an IC, despite achieving commendable results in her UPSR exams. Saddiq expressed his sadness at the infringement of Melissa’s right to education, forcing her into the workforce prematurely.
At the tender age of 14, an age when she should have been attending school, Melissa was already engaged in the workforce, selling items like Nasi Lemak and flowers to make ends meet. Saddiq further emphasized that Melissa is not an isolated case; there are numerous others in similar situations across the nation, including in Muar, who continue to be denied their ICs, even after decades.
Melissa has made multiple visits to the Residence Registration Department (JPN) in her quest to obtain her IC, but her efforts have thus far proven futile, as highlighted in her recent Instagram post. This revelation by Syed Saddiq brings to the forefront the struggles faced by Malaysians who, despite being born and raised in their homeland, find themselves deprived of a basic identity document that is fundamental to accessing numerous rights and opportunities.