Paper shortage leads to delay in issuance of birth certs in Sabah

 By Olivia Miwil - December 10, 2021 @ 6:35pm

Sabah National Registration director Khairrul Aminus. -Pic courtesy of Sabah NRD

KOTA KINABALU: The National Registration Department (NRD) in Sabah has apologised for the delay in the issuance of birth certificates, which it said was due to a shortage of paper.

Sabah NRD director Khairrul Aminus Kamaruddin confirmed the matter following complaints on social media.

"However, the stock shortage issue happened in early October, not 10 months ago as claimed.

"The issue is also affecting the Sarawak NRD office," he said in a statement.

To date, about 3,200 birth certificates have yet to be issued.

Khairrul Aminus said the paper used for birth certificates is imported from China and recent floods in the country had led to the shipment delay.

"Based on NRD's checks, the paper supply has arrived in Malaysia and passed Customs checks on Dec 6.

"Checks also shown that the paper shipment was received by the printing company on Dec 8," he said, adding that Sabah NRD is communicating with headquarters to ensure sufficient paper supply.

Khairull gave his assurances the birth certificates would be issued by next week at the latest.

He said customers who are affected and require validation letters for the birth certificates can apply for them at NRD offices.