JKKSK and special task force to look into undocumented individuals

4 September 2024

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has established a Special Committee on Citizenship Status (JKKSK) and a Special Task Force to address the challenges faced by Sabah residents without proper identification documents.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor announced the formation of the JKKSK during a State Cabinet meeting, with the aim of expediting citizenship applications under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution.

The committee will focus on registering children and individuals under 21 years old as citizens, in accordance with Article 18 of the Federal Constitution.

The decision to create the JKKSK was prompted by the prevalence of cases involving children born in Sabah without proper documentation, leading to difficulties such as accessing education.

The committee will be jointly chaired by the Home Minister and the Chief Minister of Sabah, with the Sabah Registration Department and National Registration and Organisation Division serving as joint secretariats.

Additionally, a Special Task Force will be established under the Committee of Foreigners Management in Sabah (JKPWAS) to address the issue of undocumented residents in the state.

This task force, chaired by the Home Ministry General Secretary and State Secretary, aims to tackle the longstanding problem of undocumented individuals in Sabah.