The Sijil Lahir (birth certificate) is a document issued by the government to all Malaysians at the time of birth. Many Malaysians no longer use the birth certificate after the age of 12 when they apply for their Malaysian card, and many people have lost their birth certificates.
Here are 3 things you should know about the birth certificate.
1. You can reapply if your birth certificate is damaged or lost
Whether your birth certificate is lost, damaged or torn, you can apply for a new one from the National Registration Office (JPN).
The birth certificate holder, parent or representative can go to the JPN to help apply for a new birth certificate. When you go to the National Registration Office, you must bring your Damascus card or other document that proves your identity. You must then fill out the JPN.LM15 form and submit it to the person in charge of the National Registration Office. All people who apply for a second birth certificate must pay a fee of RM5.
2. How parents can change their child’s name on the birth certificate
In the event that a parent makes a mistake in the child’s name on the birth certificate, the parent can go to the nearest National Registration Office (JPN) to change the child’s information when the child is under 1 year old. The parents must bring the old birth certificate of the child and both parents’ Damascus cards to the JPN for processing.
3. Report the birth of the child within 42 days of the child’s birth
It is advisable for parents to report the birth of their child within 60 days of the child’s birth in order not to affect the child’s citizenship. The father, mother, family members, and the nurse at the hospital of birth can go to the National Registration Office to report the birth of the child, but only if they have the relevant documents to prove the birth of the child.
