More than 3,000 people thronged the National Registration Department in Putrajaya this morning following false news that a programme to give out citizenship to permanent residents will be conducted this week.

Berita Harian reports that the people arrived at the office before dawn to submit their applications.

NRD public relations officer, Fara Maya Ahmad Jelani, told the daily that this caused unusual congestion in the department.

She said that they have been coming to the NRD since Monday as they believed the false news that the citizenship will be given out for the duration of this week.

“However, the department emphasised that it has not organised such a programme to offer citizenship to those who are not qualified and beyond the ambit of the Federal Constitution,” Fara said.

She added that the department had informed the crowd that what they heard was false, but many were seen loitering and wanting to submit their applications.