The Embassy of Malaysia in Washington, alongside the Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York, have announced what is called the Malaysian Diaspora Program. Probably not something that would be useful to every citizen, but for those living in the US facing identification and documentation issues. A good part of them are relating to the national ID, the MyKad.
As The Star reports, some of the services provided include MyKad replacements, and applications for Malaysians aged 12 and those born abroad. These cost US$3 (~RM12.50), but that last one would be free if the application is done within 30 days from birth.
Prices for MyKad replacements presumably only apply to damaged cards. Lost ones, on the other hand, come with a starting price of US$25 (~RM104) for the first time, up to US$226 (~RM942) for the third time and beyond.
The Program was announced to resolve challenges faced by those who were born abroad, or left while they were children. Their lack of a MyKad made them unable to apply for Malaysian passports, leaving them stranded in the US. The lack of proper identification also led to difficulties in getting jobs.
Facilitating the Program is the Home Ministry, through the National Registration Department (JPN). The Program itself will be held at the Consulate General of Malaysia in New York specifically, from 7 to 22 October, from 8:45AM to 5PM of every day except Sunday.
(Source: The Star, Consulate General of Malaysia, New York / Facebook)
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