Xie Xie, Mr Chung!

Warning: Long post ahead!

Rantings of a mother with pent-up emotions...

Yesterday, I went to the National Registration Department (JPN) in Putrajaya to apply for my son's identification card (IC) for the 2nd time. The moment he turned 12, I went there to apply for his IC but I was told by the female clerk (I still remember her face) that they were unable to process since he was born in Sabah, she mentioned something about the presence of illegal immigrants in Sabah. What that got to do with anything still baffled me...

I was aghast when I heard it, what is the purpose of having a birth certificate and it's not even accepted by the department that issued it. Believe me, I wanted to scream then but I controlled myself as I didn't want to make a scene. I was baffled, just to get my son's IC I'd have to fly all the way to Kota Kinabalu! Where's the logic in that?? I returned home earlier that year due to unforeseen circumstances and at that time my son has not turned 12. So, I find it ridiculous that I have to return to do just that. If I could take a bus home, then of course I would.

I didn't know what struck me to make a call to the department last week. I was secretly hoping they would have upgraded their services and I'll be allowed to apply for my son's IC without having to go back home. I couldn't believe my ears when the person who answered my call told me that they actually do accept such applications. I told him about my experience last year and he was surprised himself. All he said was that I should have asked to see the officer. Ya, blame me some more. How the heck would I know?? But I thanked him anyway since he was the bearer of good news.

The next day, I decided to call again (2nd time). Just to ensure that the guy gave me the correct information. I've had so many unpleasant experience with the government departments that I've become skeptical of everything , be it positive or negative. I was given the same answer, so I told myself they've probably improved their service. I decided to go yesterday morning, and my son had to skip school. Deep in my heart, I was still worried but I've psyched myself up to give hell to everyone at JPN should they even mention that I need to fly home in order to get my son's IC.

We arrived exactly at 8.00am and headed straight to the counter on the 2nd floor. The counter clerk was not the same girl, thank god for that but my heart was already beating fast. When I gave her my son's birth certificate, she proceeded to type something on her PC and she had this puzzled look on her face. 'Oh no'... I silently said to myself... 'not again'... my pulse was already racing.

Standing next to her was a middle aged Chinese gentleman (her supervisor I presumed) and she asked him for help when she couldn't proceed as apparently there was no proper information of my son's birth certificate details in the system. After a while, she explained that they would have to liaise with their counterparts in Kota Kinabalu, get my son's details verified in the system and that it would take several hours for them to do so. I was on the verge of crying but I calmed myself for what's to come.

Then she asked for a copy of my son's birth certificate as well as my IC and my contact number so they could contact me when the process is completed. I was thinking where on earth could I find a photocopy machine in a building I wasn't even familiar with... I was still amazed I was even thinking of finding a photocopy machine when I could just demand them to photocopy those documents for me, I would pay them 3 times the normal amount even.

I guess I had this flustered look on my face (I can control my feelings but I sure couldn't control how I looked like) that the supervisor asked for my IC and my son's birth certificate and told me to wait. He came back shortly with the photocopied documents and asked for my contact number. He promised to call me as soon as they get my sons details in their system and get it verified by the other department. I wasn't going to hold my breath waiting for his call though.

I am so glad and relieved that someone from a government department actually knew the meaning of customer service. I feel like slapping that girl who told me to photocopy the documents myself. Such an arrogant and unhelpful girl. For that, I'm sure she'll be stuck manning the counter for the rest of her life! As for Mr. Chung, the supervisor (I managed to have a look on his name tag) a very big thank you to you for helping me, you are indeed godsent and I pray that your family may be blessed with the Lord above!

That evening, Mr Chung did call me (twice) and even told me my son's IC number. All I had to do is go to any JPN branch in Selangor and get the application processed. I thanked him profusely, of course. See, I am not asking for a million bucks, all I wanted was just for my son to get his IC. Now, that wasn't so hard, was it?