Lina Samuel died at the Lawas Hospital at about 7am, said activist Agnes Padan. Lina was 65.

Agnes told FMT that Lina, who had stage four colon cancer, was admitted to the hospital at about 10pm yesterday after breathing difficulties.

“She was on oxygen when she arrived at the hospital but her condition worsened overnight,” said Agnes.

Agnes said Lina’s family was preparing to bring her body back to their family home in Long Sebangang, Lawas. Lina is survived by two sons and two daughters, all of whom are stateless.

Earlier this month, Lina said she was concerned about travelling to Miri for medical treatment after claiming that a national registration department (JPN) officer in Lawas confiscated her MyKad last November when she wanted to change her address to vote.

Lina was then issued a temporary MyKad by JPN’s Kuching branch while an investigation was conducted into her claim.

Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had said Lina’s MyKad was seized as she was believed to be an Indonesian national based on what was stated on her children’s birth certificates.

However, in an interview with Malaysiakini, Indonesian ambassador Hermono said Indonesia’s citizenship law does not allow a person to be stateless. He also said Lina “never had documents that showed she is an Indonesian”.

Those looking to contribute to funeral expenses can contact Lina’s daughter, Ruran Lukas at 012-878 9731.