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As the new MyKad rolls out this month, the government said priority for renewals will be given to Malaysians with bookings and holders of three types of outdated identification cards (ICs)
In a statement last week, the National Registration Department (JPN) urged the public not to rush to its offices to apply for the MyKad renewals, as existing MyKads remain valid for all official matters, including subsidy redemption and receiving government assistance.
The rollout will be implemented in phases at the JPN headquarters in Putrajaya and 18 selected JPN offices via an appointment system, before being expanded nationwide progressively.
"This approach is taken to ensure that the implementation runs smoothly, in an orderly manner, and to avoid overcrowding at JPN counters," the statement read.
Holders of these outdated ICs will be prioritised for renewal and are required to complete the process within the next three years:
1. Plastic Identity Cards / Kad Pengenalan Plastik (KPP)
2. High-Quality Identity Cards / Kad Pengenalan Bermutu Tinggi (KPT)
3. MyKad Version 1 / MyKad Versi 1
Old Malaysian ICs for illustration purposes only.
Image via ErisGoesToJPN said the new MyKad aims to strengthen the national identity system through the adoption of improved technology and security features
JPJ director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias said the next-generation MyKad will feature 53 security elements, compared with 23 in the current version.
Among the enhancements are QR codes for verification and enforcement purposes, holograms, microtext, ultraviolet security features, laser engraving, and a chip with a higher level of encryption, reported Bernama.
The upgrades are expected to improve identity verification while reducing the risk of forgery and misuse of identification documents.
The official launch date of the new MyKad will be announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a later date.
JPJ added that a detailed frequently asked questions (FAQ) section on the rollout will be announced via the official JPN portal and its official social media channels.
