Mykad Seized Cancer Patient Denied Treatment

---

A 65-year-old cancer patient in Sarawak found herself without her identity card after she attempted to change her address so she could vote in the 15th general election.
Despite already struggling with colon cancer and other ailments, Lina Samuel was determined to exercise her rights, however, the Lawas district National Registration Department (NRD) office she visited to take care of the matter suddenly seized her MyKad.
When Lina demanded an explanation, the officer there told her that it was upon orders of the “boss”.
With a tired expression, Lina told Malaysiakini that after the incident, she felt that she had no choice but to accept what happened and went home with her heart in her stomach.
“I did not make a police report or complained to the NRD because I struggle with speaking formally.
“I knew, to some extent, that no one would understand or help me. My condition also prevented me from defending myself, so I just gave up,” she lamented.
No MyKad, no treatment
Since November 2022, Lina has been living without her MyKad and this has only made her life more difficult.
She explained that many of her doctor’s appointments and hospital visits were turned down because she did not have her identification card.
This also meant that she missed multiple cancer treatment sessions and she fears that her condition will only worsen.
Lina said she tried showing a photocopy of her MyKad to the hospital so she could proceed with treatment but to no avail.
However, she commended the doctors and nurses for attempting to aid her as much as possible despite the setbacks.
“I understand that legally, they cannot do anything to give me the proper treatment.
“Yet, they were kind and tried to help me in any way they could, such as finding alternative healthcare solutions for me,” she said.
Lina is not alone in her ordeal - accompanying her through her difficult journey is Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM)’s Agnes Padan.
Agnes, who is also a healthcare activist, told Malaysiakini that she has been trying to get Lina’s MyKad back from the NRD.
Additionally, she has been using social media to catch the attention of Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
However, her attempts have been unsuccessful, Agnes lamented.
“On top of trying to get Lina’s MyKad back, I’ve also reached out to healthcare NGOs and even those who deal with citizenship.
“When it comes to her cancer, she has to go to a proper hospital, but what can she do when her MyKad was taken away?” Agnes asked.
She also said the hospital in Lawas is akin to a government clinic, with limited equipment and specialists - not enough to handle cancer patients.
The PBM member said Lina has been getting treatment at the Miri Hospital instead, which is 312km away from Lawas, a three-hour drive.
“That means three hours to get there and three hours back.
“With her condition, and the fact that she will usually get turned away from the hospital, one can only imagine how tiring it is,” Agnes added.
Lina’s case not uncommon
Lina hopes this issue will be resolved soon as she does not want to lose her chance to beat cancer.
“I only ask for my MyKad back. If there’s an actual reason for it to be taken away, then please tell me why.
“In two weeks, I’m expected to see a doctor again but I am unsure if I’m able to go without my identification card,” Lina said.
Agnes said Lina’s case was not uncommon and claimed that the locals from the inner areas of Sarawak were often taken advantage of.
Prior to Lina’s case, Agnes also aided Mebpung Akup, another cancer patient from Lawas, who had been denied citizenship since she was 12 years old.
“It’s not fair that people like Lina are being denied their basic rights.
“She deserves an explanation from the NRD,” Agnes urged.
Malaysiakini has reached out to the NRD for comments on the matter. - Mkini

---