KOTA BARU: The Home Ministry planned to channel youths who had recently obtained proper identification documents into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to equip them with practical skills for employment.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he had discussed the matter with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to fast-track applications for the youths to undergo skills training.

He said the programmes would cover various fields, including sewing, cooking and other technical skills under the TVET initiative.

“I have asked the National Registration Department (NRD) to expedite documentation for those who applied late.

“I have also discussed with Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, to provide a special pathway for this group so their applications can be expedited and they can quickly enrol in TVET programmes to learn skills such as sewing, cooking and others,” he said.

Saifuddin said this when met after handing over documentation to nine recipients at Kampung Simpul Berlubang here today.

He added that the NRD would also implement outreach programmes to identify individuals who still lacked documentation and assist them in resolving the issue.

Saifuddin said late registration cases were still recorded each year, although the numbers remained relatively small compared with Malaysia’s population.

“Statistics recorded up to Feb 15 showed that in 2022, there were 12,428 cases of late birth registration and 6,032 cases of late applications for identity cards.

“In 2023, there were 13,446 late birth registrations and 4,349 late identity card applications.

“The numbers dropped slightly in 2024 with 12,325 late birth registrations and 4,148 late identity card applications, while in 2025 there were 10,310 late birth registrations and 4,892 late identity card applications,” he said.

For 2026, up to Feb 15, he said there were 949 cases of late birth registration and 649 late applications for identity cards.

“The pattern shows about 1,000 cases a month.

“With Malaysia’s population of about 32 million and between 12,000 and 13,000 births recorded monthly, the figures are relatively small but still significant,” he said.

Saifuddin said having proper identification documents was crucial as many forms of government assistance and services required individuals to possess a MyKad.

He urged those who had yet to obtain identity cards or birth certificates to come forward and register so they could access education and other essential services.

“This has a significant impact on children’s future,” he said.

Saifuddin said the Home Ministry is grateful that authorities were able to resolve between 12,000 and 13,000 documentation issues each year.