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 Constitutional amendment 2024 allows Malaysian citizen mothers also to pass citizenship to children born abroad (effective date and conditions to be verified). 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.