8,000 Indians given identity papers in Malaysia

At least 8,000 Indian-origin people have been issued identity documents in Malaysia through a government programme launched more than four years ago, Malaysia's Health Minister S. Subramaniam said on Thursday.

The 8,000 Indians to have obtained their identity documents, including that of births, marriage and citizenship through 'MyDaftar' programme, were part of 10,000 applications processed, The Malaysian Insider reported citing Subramaniam.

Subramaniam is also chairman of the Special Implementation Task Force (SITF) of the Cabinet Committee on Indian Community.

"This (MyDaftar) programme is an ongoing effort to help Indians who do not have identity (documents) despite residing in the country for so long," the minister said after presenting citizenship certificates to 40 applicants in Putrajaya.

MyDaftar programme, a collaboration between SITF, the home ministry and the national registration department, helps Indians who do not possess any document to prove their Malaysian citizenship.