NRD TO RE-ISSUE GREEN CARDS

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- The National Registration Department (NRD) will be re-issuing green cards, which were stopped in 2004, for residents whose citizenship status is in doubt, said Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar.

He said the move would help resolve the plight of some 38,672 people who
faced such a predicament.

The problem arose because the status of their parents was not clear but
they possessed Malaysian birth certificates, he told reporters after attending
the department's Aidilfitri (celebration to mark the end of fasting month,
Ramadan) open house here Friday.

Syed Hamid said the re-issuing would have difference in that the green card
holders need to renew them only once in five years unlike yearly before.

Those facing the problem can approach the nearest NRD office to apply for
the card.

Syed Hamid added that NRD officers would also be holding campaigns
nationwide to trace people having the problem, especially from the Indian
community and at the borders, so that they can be helped to get the green
card.

He also said from Nov 15, all NRD headquarters, at the state and federal
level, would open their counters from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays to
make it easier for the people obtain NRD services.

This would help reduce complaints from the public, he added.