TUMPAT: The Home Ministry has simplified the procedure for entry permit applications by foreign nationals by empowering the director-general of immigration to accept or reject applications, Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said yesterday.
HAPPY OCCASION: Hishammuddin sharing a light moment with a Siamese descent who had just received Malaysian citizenship at Wat Pikhun Thong, Kampung Terbok. — Bernama photo
Under the new procedure, which came into effect on July 15, only appeals against the rejection of applications would be brought to the attention of the minister for consideration, he said.
He spoke to reporters after the award of citizenship status to 89 people of Siamese descent at Wat Pikhun Thong in Kampung Terbok, here.
The award of the status was in keeping with a promise made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to the community on July 15.
More than 1,000 people of Siamese descent were present at the function, which was also attended by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Pengkalan Kubor state assemblyman Datuk Noor Zahidi Omar.
Hishammuddin said the ministry had introduced a mechanism for consideration of the applications for entry permit, which was similar to the points-based system practised in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
“The applications are considered based on the points given according to the criteria of age, academic/professional qualification, fluency in the Malay language, period of stay in the country, family ties with citizens and permanent residents in Malaysia, value of investment in the country and contribution to the country.
“Applicants above the age of 65 are eligible to be considered. Nevertheless, all applications are subjected to security vetting by the Malaysian police,” he said. — Bernama