The National Registration Department (JPN) is in the final phase of rolling out a new MyKad that promises better security and advanced technology, replacing the current version that has been in use since 2012.
According to Buletin TV3, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced in Dewan Rakyat that the upgraded MyKad will come with cutting-edge security features to prevent forgery and identity theft.
He emphasized that the new card is designed to meet higher security standards in line with technological advancements.
This move is to ensure that the new MyKad issued by JPN will have enhanced security features, making it more secure and difficult to forge,” he said.
A stronger, more secure MyKad
Unlike the current version, the new MyKad will be made of polycarbonate material, which has been lab-tested for durability.
It will also feature a larger storage capacity, advanced holograms, and laser-engraved text to improve authenticity and prevent fraud.
Shamsul explained that these enhanced security measures are crucial in addressing identity fraud and data breaches, issues that have been a growing concern in recent years.
The new design will be more modern, featuring state-of-the-art security elements to make counterfeiting much harder,” he added.
Cracking down on fake MyKad cases
JPN has been actively tackling identity card fraud, conducting 2,103 enforcement operations nationwide between 2022 and October 31, 2024.
These operations resulted in the arrest of 519 individuals under the National Registration Regulations 1990. Among them, 130 people were caught with fake MyKad, while 60 were found using someone else’s identity card.
JPN Director-General Badrul Hisham Alias previously confirmed that once the new MyKad is introduced, the older version will be completely phased out to prevent the continued use of outdated security features that are easier to manipulate.
Balancing costs and security
While the cost of replacing the MyKad has not been disclosed, Shamsul assured that JPN is conducting a market study to ensure the transition remains cost-effective and does not place an unnecessary burden on the government.
With these updates, Malaysians can expect a more secure MyKad that aligns with modern security standards, ensuring better protection against forgery and identity theft in the future.
READ ALSO:
