A. CITIZENSHIP

What is the procedure for citizenship application?

Application can be submitted to the National Registration Department (NRD). Note that an individual must meet requirements under the Federal Constitution before submitting the application. Further information on the requirements and procedures can be referred directly to the NRD through counter services or website www.jpn.gov.my.

My application has been forwarded by NRD to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA). How long does the process take before I receive the result?

Application are being reviewed and scrutinized on a case-by-case basis. The applicant will be notified in writing within 40 days from the date of the Minister’s decision.

I have submitted my citizenship application to the NRD. However, I have issues pertaining to education / health / travel document / others. Can MOHA give priority to my application?

Citizenship is the highest award, which only given by the government to individuals that are qualified, able to contribute significantly to the nation and devout utmost loyalty to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Each application is processed according to queue and by taking into account national interest, safety and well-being of the existing citizens. Issues related to education, health, travel documents or others should be referred to the relevant authorities.

My application has been rejected. Can I appeal?

No appeal can be made as the decision if final. However, the applicant may submit a new application to the NRD, subject to the requirements under the Federal Constitution.

What is the procedure for citizenship renunciation?

A Malaysian citizen age 21 years and above may renounce their citizenship, subjet to the conditions under Article 23(1) of the Federal Constitution. The application can be submitted to NRD. Further information on the requirements and procedures can be referred directly to the NRD through counter services or website www.jpn.gov.my.

I have renounced / been deprived of my citizenship. Can I reapply?

Individuals who have renounced or being deprived of Malaysian citizenship are allowed to submit the re-application of citizenship, subject to conditions and requirements. The application can be submitted to the NRD. Further information on this matter can be referred directly to NRD.

I have inquiries / want to get an update on my application status.

For any inquiries or update on the application status, feel free to visit us at Complex D Putrajaya or contact us on 03-88863367 / 03-88863172 or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

B. REGISTRATION OF SOCIETY

What type of association/society should be registered with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA)?

The jurisdiction of the MOHA is for association/society registered under the Societies Act 1966 [Act 335]. The definition of ‘Society’ is clearly spelt out under Section 2 of the Act that includes any club, company, partnership or association of any type or purpose, whether temporary or permanent, which consists of seven (7) persons or more. In this case, society that have been certified by other laws in force such as companies, trade unions, cooperatives and others do not need to be registered under this Act.

What is the procedure for registering a society under Act 335?

Application for registering a society shall be submitted to the Registrar of Societies of Malaysia (ROS) in relevant states according to the registered address of the society subjected to the terms and qualifications. Further information on terms and procedures can be referred directly to ROS via counter services or website www.ros.gov.my

Can an application for registration of a society be submitted directly to the MOHA without going through ROS?

The registration process for a society is under the jurisdiction of ROS.

My society has been canceled by ROS. Can I file an appeal to MOHA?

Application for appeal to withdraw cancellation of the registration of society is under the jurisdiction of MOHA. However, all appeals must be submitted through ROS.

How long is the appeal process to withdraw the cancellation of the registration of the society?

The duration to process an application for appeal to withdraw cancellation of the registration of society depends on the information provided by applicant. A complete application will be processed within 30 working days from the date of the application is received from ROS. The applicant will be notified in writing within five (5) days from the date of the decision made by Minister of Home Affairs.

I would like to ask questions / check the status of appeal application to withdraw the cancellation of the registration of the society. How I can contact the relevant officer?

For any inquiries or update on the appeal status, applicant may visit us at Ministry of Home Affairs, Complex D Putrajaya or contact us at 03-88863367 / 03-88863172 or e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..