🧭 Region & Middle East · #46

Child born in Indonesia or Saudi Arabia — how do I register them as a Malaysian citizen?

Register the birth at the Malaysian Embassy/Consulate within the set period (usually one year) so that the child's citizenship is recorded under the Federal Constitution, Second Schedule. The amendment to the Federal Constitution passed by the Dewan Rakyat in October 2024 will allow a child born abroad to a Malaysian citizen mother to acquire citizenship by operation of law. According to a Bernama report (14 Nov 2025), the amendment was not yet in force and was targeted for mid-2026; please check the gazette for its commencement date. An unregistered marriage may mean the birth certificate does not record the father's name, and the child may be treated as illegitimate for citizenship purposes until the marriage is validated. Under the Shariah, a child born at least six lunar months after a valid akad is attributed to the father (Surah al-Ahqaf 46:15; Surah Luqman 31:14). Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship for adults. See recognition.

Sources

Federal Constitution, Second ScheduleSurah al-Ahqaf 46:15Surah Luqman 31:14

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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