A 39-year-old father could not be happier when the long wait for his three children to obtain the Malaysian citizenship was finally over.

Shahabudin Md Noor, a Malaysian and married to a Thai wife, Saruema Dorloh, 37, said he could finally breath a sigh of relief knowing his children Nor Shakimie Aidi, 16, Nurul Syafini Aida, 11, and Nor Syafi Aslah, 7, will be able to lead a normal life especially in their studies.

"My concern is over now that their status as Malaysians cannot be doubted anymore," he told Bernama on Thursday after receiving the citizenship certificate in Kota Baharu from Deputy Home Minister Lee Chee Leong who presented the same to 14 individuals altogether.

The Kubang Kerian food seller, who has five children, recalled how his eldest child, Nor Shakimie Aidi was refused entry into the examination hall to sit for his lower secondary assessment (PMR) last year because he did not have a Mykad.

"I felt for his embarrassment when he could not join his mates to take the examination," he said. He hoped the school would allow his son to take the PMR this year.

Meanwhile, another recipient of the citizenship, Zahrah Abd Rahman, 64, said she is thankful that after almost 30 years' domicile in Malaysia she is finally awarded the status.

Originally from Cambodia, she was married to a Malaysian, Tahir Ismail, who incidentally passed away 10 years ago.

"I am grateful to the government for the consideration. At least now I can go and cast my vote rather than just watch my friends do so," said the mother of five from Jalan Bayam.

- Bernama