KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 20 -- Malaysia has finally recognised Johor-born woman Tan Soo Yin and a Malaysian mother's India-born daughter Mahisha Sulaiha Abdul Majeed as citizens at the ages of 41 and 27, ending their five-year court struggles and decades-long wait to belong.

Last month, the two finally received the blue Malaysian identity card or MyKad, which not only is documentary proof of their citizenship but also unlocks the opportunity to a better life in the country.

Tan's story: Born in Malaysia, raised by a Malaysian

Born in Yong Peng, Johor to unknown biological parents in December 1983, Tan was sold as a baby by her biological mother to her Malaysian foster mother, with her birth registered in January 1984.

Tan only had two years...