KUANTAN: A thorough investigation will be conducted before identification documents can be given to Rohana Abdullah (pic) who was abandoned as a baby by her mother who returned to Indonesia, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

       The Home Minister said certain supporting documents are needed to resolve the issue.

       ''There are documents that are required in granting a person citizenship. There are many (cases) like this in Sabah and Sarawak as well as throughout the country. These (cases) involve a relatively big number.

       "I understand Rohana's father is a citizen. Therefore, if there are documents to prove this, it would make it easier for us to grant it (identification documents). This is a responsibility given to me and it will be done soonest.

       "I also see this issue (identification documents) as one of the ministry's agenda for this year to reduce the number of those facing such problems," he said when asked about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's commitment to assist Rohana through a video shared on social media.

       Hamzah told reporters this after a working visit on East Coast flood management here on Monday (Jan 17).

       The event was also attended by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Razarudin Husain, Terengganu police chief Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa and Pahang police chief Datuk Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf.

       According to earlier reports, Rohana, 22, was abandoned at the age of two months by her Indonesian mother.

       She was raised for nearly 20 years by a woman - Chee Hoi Lan - now aged 83, who was a teacher at the kindergarten where her mother worked as a cleaner.

       Rohana was also forced to drop out of school as she did not have identification documents, as well as suffered from anxiety due to the problems she faced.

       In another matter, Hamzah said his team had ordered 50 boats of various types, at an estimated cost of RM3.05mil, which were suitable to be used during flood situations.

       Seven of the boats were handed over for use in east coast states (Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang).

       He said all seven Dutch-made boats were made of durable high-density polyethene material worth RM267,000, comprising various passenger capacities.

       "I was informed that the remaining boats of various sizes and types would be delivered within 10 weeks," he said. - Bernama