PUTRAJAYA, Sept 17 — The new-generation MyKad remains Malaysia’s official identity document and can keep being used for government aid and subsidy programmes, said the National Registration Department (JPN).
JPN Identity Card Division director Muhammad Asraf Sukadi said the MyKad may be used for government aid and subsidy programmes for verification or redemption.
“People need not worry that the new-generation MyKad will result in their government aid or subsidies being discontinued.
“JPN is working closely with ministries and agencies concerned to ensure the continuity of services and assistance for eligible recipients,” he said in a statement today.
He added that replacing a MyKad with the new version would not affect the balance or eligibility under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme.
“SARA balance and eligibility are not stored in the MyKad but recorded in the SARA system. The MyKad serves as a means of verifying recipients and making purchases of essential goods at participating shops and supermarkets,” he said.
Asraf also explained that MyKad holders need not to replace their cards unless their existing document is damaged, but those with the Plastic Identity Card (KPP), High-Quality Identity Card (KPT) and MyKad without a ghost image are required to replace their cards with the new edition of the MyKad.
From today, applications for the new MyKad can be made at 40 JPN branches equipped with printing facilities, with same-day collection.
At JPN branches without printing facilities, the cards will be ready in five working days.
The new MyKad comes with enhanced security features, including a dynamic security hologram and transparent window on the front, as well as an enforcement QR Code and dual-interface chip on the back.
