Harith Iskander calls out NRD delays in issuing queue numbers

Harith Iskander criticises NRD over long queue delays and unclear processes, urging better service and respect for the public’s time in government offices.

RECENTLY, local comedian and actor Harith Iskander highlighted alleged inefficiencies at the National Registration Department (NRD) after experiencing multiple delays in obtaining a queue number.

In a video posted on Instagram, Harith said he arrived at the NRD counter at 2pm before going up to the first floor to retrieve a queue number. However, he claimed he was instructed by staff to wait outside the office, before another staff member told him to go downstairs with other customers to queue.

“Why are we still normalising this? There are so many stories about this issue. It’s 2026, guys. If the department is meant to serve the people, can that service be less tiring for the public?” he said in his Instagram reel, also stressing the importance of respecting people’s time.

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As Harith and others headed to the lower ground floor, he noticed a large number of people already queuing and waiting for their turn.

“I thought to myself, this is not the first time this has happened. It may be my first time experiencing it, but this situation likely occurs every day, and those who know about this system are the ones waiting downstairs.

“This is the first time I’ve gone up and down like I’m in a game of snakes and ladders. When the queue started moving, we went back up to the first floor.

“Guess what happened? As usual, there were still no numbers. Over 200 people were waiting. That’s when people started getting frustrated,” he explained in his reel.

Harith also pointed out that many customers had been waiting since the morning and were later told to return in the afternoon, while some had taken leave from work, highlighting the wider impact of the situation.

At the end of the first video, a man was heard reprimanding an NRD officer over the delay in issuing queue numbers.

In a follow-up video, Harith shared his thoughts on how the experience could be improved if public servants took the initiative—not by adding more work, but by placing greater value on the public’s time.

“Imagine when people enter these government offices and suddenly have a different experience—clearer processes, simple instructions, and smooth movement. People would feel that their time is truly valued.

“Trust me, such experiences would not stop at the office doors. They would become a topic of conversation, and from there, trust can be rebuilt. Wouldn’t that feel great?” he said.

He added that meaningful change does not necessarily require technological innovation, but rather the courage to improve, expressing confidence that others would follow suit.

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