The Johore Bar Committee [JBC] had a virtual meeting with the National Registration Department Johor Bahru [JPN JB] on 24/02/2021 concerning the impediments faced by members when conducting death and identity card searches.
JPN JB has reverted as follows on the issues raised by JBC:-
- Requirement for Identity Card Numbers To Conduct Death Searches.
Applications to conduct death searches with information other than the deceased’s identity card number, such as particulars of the deceased person’s name, date/ year/ place of demise, are accepted.
While the deceased’s identity card number would facilitate the search, it is not mandatory.
2. Requirement that Legal Action Must Be Filed In Court Before An Address Search Is Permitted [KP13 Search]
A KP13 Search by a lawyer is permitted for official purposes where such an application is accompanied by supporting documents. JPN JB has taken the position that pursuant to Regulation 11(1) National Registration Regulation [“the Regulations”], the register is not open to public for inspection. They further maintain that an application is considered based on the supporting documents attached and the authenticity of said application.
We, however, reiterated the position Regulation 11(1) of the Regulations permits extracts of the register to be issued upon payment of the prescribed fee.
The checklist furnished by JPN JB to facilitate a KP13 Search is attached.
3. TNB Suits
JPN requires a certified true copy of agreements between TNB and the consumer as a means of ascertaining the identity card number of a consumer, which is not stated in a TNB bill.
4. Requirement for Certified True Copies of Judgments in Default
Certified true copies of Judgments in Default are only required for orders which cannot be verified in the e-Kehakiman system.
5. Birth Certificate Searches by Legal Firms
Legal firms are permitted to conduct such searches for as long as the search concerns and is in connection with clients of legal firms.
6. Requirement for Original Documents To Be Attached To The Search Application Form.
The original documents are required only for verification and not as attachments to search application forms. Instead, only certified true copies of supporting documents are to be attached to application forms. Documents certified true by members are accepted.
Should only originals be produced, copies will be made and certified at JPN JB and the originals returned.
JPN JB sought members’ compliance of the following:
7. Information in Decree Nisi
JPN JB has encountered situations where the particulars of the parties in a decree nisi are at variance with those in the Register of Marriages, particularly the date of marriage. This results in a delay in the verification process, invariably inconveniencing the public.
Members are advised to ensure that such particulars are accurate and in accordance with JPN JB’s records.
JPN JB has also taken note of JBC’s recommendation that the counter process and required documentation be standardised across all JPN in the State. JBC will be kept updated of developments.
Members will be kept duly informed of developments. As always, stay safe and well.
Should you have any queries or encounter any difficulties with JPN in Johor, kindly forward any
queries, concerns or issues, to the Johore Bar Secretariat at secretariat@johorebar.org.my
Thank you.
SHAHAREEN BEGUM BINTI ABDUL SUBHAN
CHAIRMAN