The National Registration Department (NRD) has approved 11 applications to amend ethnic status to Baba Nyonya on identification cards, following around 50 submissions received since the pilot initiative began. NRD director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias said the department gives careful attention to every application due to the sensitive and significant nature of ethnic identity registration.
He explained that approvals are granted only after applicants successfully provide verifiable documentation proving their Peranakan lineage. The assessment process is ongoing, with applications being reviewed periodically as evidence and criteria are evaluated.
“To date, nearly 50 applications have been submitted and out of these, 11 have been approved. Processing continues as new submissions come in. Aside from Baba Nyonya, we have also received similar requests from the local Siamese community,” he told reporters during an event handing over identity cards to seven siblings in Sungai Buaya.
Earlier, reports highlighted that a pilot project launched on October 1 had allowed Baba Nyonya descendants to record their ethnicity officially in government identification records. The initiative reportedly progressed smoothly and has now been expanded nationwide beginning yesterday.
Badrul Hisham said that the NRD’s ethnic registration system is dynamic and capable of being refined to accommodate legitimate requests. Amendments are also permitted for name and title changes, subject to proper verification.
He added that NRD is also working to upgrade its end-to-end service system to improve efficiency, as current applications still require physical submission at NRD offices. Enhancements, he said, aim to simplify future transactions for citizens.
Malaysia Baba and Nyonya Association president Ronald Gan earlier revealed that Baba Nyonya Malaysians in Melaka can now officially state their ethnicity on birth certificates. This recognition will soon be extended to Peranakan Chinese nationwide beginning January.
The development is viewed as an important recognition of the historical and cultural presence of the Baba Nyonya community in Malaysia. It strengthens the accuracy of identity documentation while honouring Malaysia’s multicultural heritage.
NRD affirmed its commitment to maintaining accurate national records, while remaining open to communities seeking rightful ethnic recognition under legal and verified grounds.