History
History of the National Registration Department
The development of the national registration system from the introduction of early laws to the establishment of a modern registration system in Malaysia.
Historical Timeline
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First Charter of Justice
The Charter of Justice 1807 introduced English law, known as Lex Loci or “law of the land”, in Penang.
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Second Charter of Justice
The Charter of Justice 1826 introduced English law, known as Lex Loci, in Singapore and Malacca. However, the law did not replace customary law in its entirety.
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Separation of the Straits Settlements
The Straits Settlements were separated from the administration of the Government of India through the Straits Settlements Act 1866.
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Legislative Authority of the Straits Settlements
In accordance with the Letter of Conferment, legislative authority in the colonies was exercised through the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements.
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Federated Malay States
Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang became British protected states. On 13 July 1889, the states were united as a federation.
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Coordination of Registration Laws
Laws relating to the registration of births, deaths, burials, marriages and divorces began to be coordinated under the Federal Council.
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First Identity Card Issued
The first identity card was issued during the Emergency under the Emergency (Registration Areas) Regulations 1948 and was later extended through the Emergency Ordinance 1948.
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Federation of Malaya Identity Card
Identity cards for the Federation of Malaya began to be issued. Matters relating to births, deaths, adoptions, citizenship and marriages were subsequently coordinated through federal laws.
Historical Gallery
The process of laminating old identity cards.
People queuing to replace paper identity cards with plastic identity cards.
Visit by the third Yang di-Pertuan Agong to the NRD Headquarters.
The first Malaysian citizenship certificate issued.
Y.T.M. Tunku Abdul Rahman having his thumbprint taken for an identity card application.
