What Parents Should Know About Baby Naming Rules In Malaysia, According To JPN | WeirdKaya

Choosing a baby’s name is exciting. Some parents want something meaningful. Others want something unique.

But before you decide, here’s something many people do not realise. In Malaysia, naming a child is not just a personal choice. There are rules.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Registration Department have clarified that all baby names must follow legal guidelines and social norms. Not every name will be approved.

Why does JPN even check baby names?

Because a name stays with a person for life.

JPN’s role is not just to register births. It also looks at whether a name could affect a child’s identity, wellbeing, or future. That is why Malaysia treats naming seriously.

The laws behind baby naming in Malaysia

Every birth in Malaysia must be registered under one of these laws:

Under Section 16 of Act 299, the Registrar General can approve or reject a name that is offensive, inappropriate, or undesirable.

Names that are straight up not allowed

Some names will not be approved at all.

These include official titles or words with unsuitable meanings, such as:

If you try to register these as a baby’s name, JPN will reject it.

Names that might get rejected too

Even if a name is not offensive, it can still be considered unsuitable.

JPN may reject names that could confuse identity or negatively affect a child later in life, including:

The concern is how the child might be treated socially as they grow up.

What about titles like Tengku or Syed?

Hereditary titles come with strict rules.

Titles such as:

can only be passed down through the father in a legally recognised marriage.

If the father does not hold the title, it cannot be given to the child, even if the mother has it.

Can you change your child’s name later?

Yes, but with limits.

If the child is below one year old, corrections can be made in the Birth Register.

If the child is above one year old

What parents should do before choosing a name

Before registering your baby’s name:

You can get clarification at the nearest JPN office or through official JPN channels.

A name is meant to last a lifetime. Making sure it is approved from the start can save you a lot of trouble later.

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