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After almost seven decades of calling Malaysia home, 83-year-old Chan Weng Poh has finally received his blue identity card — a moment he describes as one of the happiest of his life. 
Chan first arrived in Penang from China in 1957, just before independence. Over the years, he embraced local culture, language, and food, building his life here and even running a small cloth business before retiring. This year’s National Day felt especially meaningful as he celebrated it not just as a resident, but officially as a Malaysian citizen.
“If you ask me which country I love more, China or Malaysia, I would undoubtedly choose Malaysia,” Chan said, expressing his gratitude to the state government for helping him secure citizenship after a 20-year application process. His wife, Ooi Lay Yong, shared how excited he was — waking up early on the day he finally received the card he had waited for most of his life.
Also recognised at the Penang Citizenship Programme was 13-year-old Teoh Zheng Yang, who has Down syndrome. He finally received his identity card after years of delays linked to documentation issues, alongside 13 other successful applicants.
Since 2013, the programme has processed over 5,500 cases, with nearly 600 people successfully becoming Malaysian citizens.
More like this at www.therakyatpost.com
Chan first arrived in Penang from China in 1957, just before independence. Over the years, he embraced local culture, language, and food, building his life here and even running a small cloth business before retiring. This year’s National Day felt especially meaningful as he celebrated it not just as a resident, but officially as a Malaysian citizen.
“If you ask me which country I love more, China or Malaysia, I would undoubtedly choose Malaysia,” Chan said, expressing his gratitude to the state government for helping him secure citizenship after a 20-year application process. His wife, Ooi Lay Yong, shared how excited he was — waking up early on the day he finally received the card he had waited for most of his life.
Also recognised at the Penang Citizenship Programme was 13-year-old Teoh Zheng Yang, who has Down syndrome. He finally received his identity card after years of delays linked to documentation issues, alongside 13 other successful applicants.
Since 2013, the programme has processed over 5,500 cases, with nearly 600 people successfully becoming Malaysian citizens.
More like this at www.therakyatpost.com
