SHAH ALAM, Sept 19 — Applicants for the new-generation MyKad are allowed to have naturally coloured hair and wear dark-coloured headscarves, which do not necessarily have to be black.
National Registration Department (JPN) Identity Card Division director Muhammad Asyraf Sukardi said hair colours that are not too prominent are still permitted, including for individuals who naturally have certain hair colours.
“Basically, we allow coloured hair, at least colours that are not too prominent.
“For example, if someone is of Eurasian descent, we allow it; there is no problem. But their hair should not be blonde, not totally blonde. The colours should be more natural,” he said in a video shared on JPN’s Facebook page.
He said this following a recent viral issue involving coloured hair in new identity cards.
Asyraf added that JPN does not require applicants to wear black headscarves when taking their MyKad photographs.
Instead, applicants are advised to choose dark-coloured headscarves to ensure they are clearly visible against the white background of the photograph.
“We never say that the headscarf must be black. We say it should be dark in colour because the background is white. If they wear a light-coloured headscarf, it will not be visible in the photograph.”
In a related development, Asyraf said the new-generation MyKad is equipped with 53 security features, compared with 23 previously.
“None of these features can be read by any smartphone. They can only be read using devices and applications authorised by JPN.”
He said the identity of a MyKad holder could also be verified through facial recognition with the individual’s consent.
He added that the new-generation MyKad no longer supports the contact-based Touch ’n Go function, and that those who wish to use the facility can obtain an NFC card provided by Touch ’n Go.
