Longstanding challenges faced by transgender individuals dealing with civil servants in Malaysia remain a reality, especially when it comes to personal identification documents.
“There’s no trans person who doesn’t get anxious when dealing with identification documents. Trans people everywhere - except in Singapore and Indonesia (those who have undergone sex reassignment surgery) - know this feeling all too well,” said author Regina Ibrahim.
In a Facebook post, she shared her recent experience renewing her MyKad and passport at UTC Komtar, Penang - a process she said was handled with commendable professionalism.
Contacted by Malaysiakini, she credited years of consistent advocacy with medical practitioners, the prison system, police, and other agencies for the gradual shift towards more positive treatment of trans individuals.
“It’s possible that they’ve also read more about the challenges faced by the transgender community - or perhaps they have transgender relatives themselves,” Regina added.
Recalling past encounters, she said improved queue systems at banks, hospitals, and government agencies have also helped.
“The number system seems to work well when dealing with banks, hospitals, and government agencies. In the past, male names (as written on a transwoman’s MyKad) were often called out - whether intentionally or not,” said Regina, now in her 60s.
She reminded that trans individuals should also practise self-awareness in public settings.
“Dress modestly, remain calm and composed, speak up clearly when necessary, and comply with the requirements set,” she advised.
Among these requirements, she noted, are removing makeup and jewellery, and wearing a coat for trans individuals whose MyKad retains a male name, regardless of any procedures they may have undergone.
In her Facebook post, Regina recounted how she was first informed by an immigration officer that her MyKad would need to be replaced before she could renew her passport.
“I took a number and was attended to by an officer. I explained to him that I urgently needed my identity card in order to get my passport. He was very understanding,” she said, adding that a temporary document was issued to facilitate her passport application.
‘Officers simply doing their job’
Regina also shared that she received efficient service at each stage.
“When it was time to be photographed, I was reminded of articles I had written and past suggestions made to the NRD (National Registration Department) regarding trans individuals.
“The photo would be taken on the spot, but I was asked to remove my lipstick and blush, and also to take off my hoop earrings. As a veteran of such encounters, I wasn’t offended anymore - I understood that the officers were simply doing their job,” she said.
She added that the officer on duty repeatedly apologised and consulted a supervising officer to ensure her new photograph and fingerprints would be accepted.
Later, Regina was shown the printed records of her identity cards dating back to when she was 12.
“I was momentarily stunned, seeing not only the changes in my appearance but also the shifts in the direction of my personal life. Before leaving, I shook his hand and said, ‘Thank you so much - you’ve been a great help.’”
With her temporary identity card in hand, she then proceeded to the immigration counter.
“I was a little anxious seeing the crowd, but the wait wasn’t long as I was given a senior citizen number. The process wasn’t too difficult either - I reapplied a bit of lipstick. The officer only asked that I remove my hoop earrings.
“Payment was made via debit card - RM100. He asked me to return at 10.30am. The service at the immigration counter in UTC Komtar was incredibly efficient,” Regina said, adding that she was back home just 30 minutes later - with time to spare for a quick grocery stop. - Mkini
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