Dr S Subramaniam
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is always prepared to help the Indian community with documentation cases such as applications for citizenships, birth certificate s and identity cards, said Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam.
He said this was the government’s commitment to help the community upon realising they faced citizenship problems after the launch of the MyDaftar programme in 85 locations nationwide, two years ago.
A total of 9,500 applications have been received, of which 6,400 have been given citizenship status so far, he said, adding that more cases were being received.
“We (government) have made the effort and will continue doing so. We’re not politicising it like the opposition.
“We’re still prepared to assist anytime and even locate hospital documents to verify the applicants’ birth place,” said Dr Subramaniam at a press conference on the 1Malaysia MySihat Indian programme, at Wisma Perkeso here yesterday.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dismissed allegations that there were 300,000 Indians without citizenships or identity cards as opposition lies meant to influence the people to hate the government.
Commenting on the matter, Dr Subramaniam, who is also Special Implementation Task Force for Indians (SITF) chairman, said the allegations were a mere ploy to garner votes and advised people not to fall prey to it.
Elaborating on the 1Malaysia MySihat Indian nationwide health programme, Dr Subramaniam said it was aimed to raise awareness and promote a healthy lifestyle among the Indian community.
“The highest percentage of diabetes, hypertension and obesity has been recorded among the Indian community, compared to others. We hope this campaign assists them with advice on health care in order to prevent serious consequences,” he said.
According to the 2011 National Health Morbidity Survey, between 25 and 30 percent of Indians suffer from lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and high cholesterol.
The first campaign was held in Lembah Pantai on Nov 25 and will be followed by Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan (Dec 16), Hutan Melintang and Sungai Siput, Perak (Dec 23 and 29), and Prai, Penang on Dec 23.
Also present at the press conference was SITF co-coordinator Datuk N Siva Subramaniam. — Bernama