EAIC calls for action on Sabah NRD officer for inefficient handling of child’s IC application

KUALA LUMPUR: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has recommended disciplinary action against a Sabah National Registration Department (NRD) officer for inefficient handling of an identity card application.

The EAIC said there was an unreasonable delay by the investigating officer in processing the application, directly impacting a child whose parent then lodged a complaint with the commission.

“The delay reflects poor case management and a failure to fulfil duties responsibly,” the EAIC said in a statement on Wednesday (July 2).

“The officer’s actions were inconsistent with the NRD’s code of ethics, which emphasises high commitment, readiness, responsibility and timeliness in all assigned tasks,” the statement read.

The EAIC said it was referring the matter to the NRD authorities, recommending disciplinary action under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 for inefficiency as provided for under Regulation 4(2)(e).

It also proposed several improvements for the NRD to prevent similar issues, including revising work procedure documentation to include a clear, reasonable and practical timeline for the investigation of applications to be conducted.

The EAIC also proposed a special “flying squad” under NRD headquarters in Putrajaya to investigate the root causes of case backlogs, including potential non-compliance or officer attitude issues.