GUA MUSANG, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- A total of 202,829 new-generation MyKads have been issued nationwide since their introduction on Sept 17 up to Oct 11, said National Registration Department (NRD) director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias.
He said based on records from the Smart Identity Integrated System (SIIS), the issuance figure rose by 33,483 cards or about 19.8 per cent from 169,346 cards recorded as of Oct 6.
"The new-generation MyKad does not merely feature a change in appearance, it also strengthens identity security through 53 security features, compared to 23 previously.
"These improvements aim to bolster the document's integrity and reduce the risk of forgery and identity misuse," he said during a press conference after attending a Registration Literacy Programme held in conjunction with the 78th National Registration Day celebrations (Kelantan state level) at Pos Balar here.
According to him, the number of MyKad applications in September rose by 25 per cent compared to August.
Badrul Hisham said the five states and territories recording the highest issuance figures were the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (24,006 cards), followed by Johor (21,448), Sarawak (19,069), Selangor (16,959), and Sabah (16,814) while Kelantan recorded an issuance of 9,722 cards.
"JPN emphasises that its priority is not to create competition among states, but rather to ensure that the public receives services that are secure, efficient, and easily accessible," he said.
In a related development, he noted that 69 out of the 70 card issuance centres had completed their Final Acceptance Test (FAT) as of October 7 and commenced operations.
The remaining centre at the Langkawi District JPN office is scheduled to undergo FAT on October 17 before commencing operations on October 18, subject to smooth implementation.
In an effort to improve service accessibility for the community, JPN is also implementing the MEKAR (Menyemai Kasih Rakyat) programme to assist with birth registrations, identity cards, and identity documents, specifically to aid those facing difficulties in obtaining services.
"NRD emphasises that every matter remains subject to prevailing laws and regulations, however, their implementation must take into account empathy and the effort to find solutions to the problems faced by the public," he said.
Meanwhile, existing MyKad holders do not need to rush to replace their identity cards with the new version, as the old cards remain valid for matters related to Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and BUDI MADANI initiatives provided the chip is still functional, said Badrul Hisham.
He stated that the introduction of the new MyKad does not mandate an immediate replacement of existing cards, especially if the current cards are still in good condition and fully functional.
“As long as the chip is not damaged, one can still claim STR benefits, refuel, and utilise the BUDI MADANI scheme. There is no need for the public to visit the NRD solely to exchange their cards,” he said during a press conference following the Registration Literacy Programme, held in conjunction with the Kelantan-level 78th National Registration Day celebration at Pos Balar here.
Badrul Hisham added that the public could continue using their existing MyKads as long as they remained functional, with replacements only necessary in the event of damage or when otherwise required.
Meanwhile, he urged service providers to upgrade their card reader systems to ensure that electronic identity verification (eKYC) processes could be carried out seamlessly using the new MyKad.
He noted that the NRD had initiated discussions with service providers as early as June to ensure system compatibility between the electronic identity verification platforms and the newly introduced MyKad.
However, he acknowledged that this effort required commitment from service providers including financial investment to enhance their systems' capabilities in reading and verifying the information contained on identity cards.
“So, my advice to all service providers is to ensure they upgrade their respective readers to avoid any issues,” he said.
However, he noted that challenges arise when the new MyKad is used for the eKYC process, which requires users to submit identification details such as facial images and the identity card itself to service providers.
He said the MyKad system has been adapted to allow the document to be read; however, the capabilities of the service providers' systems also need to be enhanced to ensure effective identity verification.
--BERNAMA