The National Registration Department (NRD) of Malaysia, also known as JPN, clarified on August 20 that foreigners seen at its premises are not automatically applying for or receiving a Malaysian identity card (MyKad) [1, 2, 3]. The department issued the statement amid viral social media speculation that images or videos showing foreigners at NRD offices implied unauthorized MyKad applications [1, 2, 3].
The NRD explained it provides a range of registration and documentation services that can involve non-citizens depending on the transaction type. Such services include birth registrations and civil marriage registrations involving foreign spouses [1, 2, 3]. The department emphasized every birth occurring in Malaysia must be registered regardless of the parents’ citizenship, which results in the issuance of a pink birth certificate.
However, the pink birth certificate only indicates a birth was registered in Malaysia—it does not confer Malaysian citizenship. This certificate is also given to non-citizens who do not meet Malaysian citizenship requirements [1, 2, 3].
Responding to the viral misinformation, the NRD urged the public not to presume the purpose of foreigners’ visits to its offices based merely on images or videos. The department said, "Let us together understand an issue based on facts, context and accurate explanations, rather than merely based on perceptions from a photograph or an unclear video recording" [3].
In June 2026, the NRD addressed a similar misunderstanding related to non-citizen birth registrations and claims about citizenship [3]. The renewed statement today serves to clarify ongoing confusion.
The NRD plans to continue public outreach to ensure accurate understanding of its services involving citizens and non-citizens alike [1, 2, 3].
