KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — After more than two decades, Malaysia’s national identity card is entering a new phase with the rollout of the New Structure MyKad this month, featuring enhanced security measures to protect personal identities and data.
The phased rollout, beginning this month, marks the latest effort to enhance the security of the MyKad, first introduced on September 5, 2001, to ensure it remains resilient against cyber threats and document forgery.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail previously said the next-generation MyKad is intended to strengthen the national identity system through the adoption of improved technology and security features.
National Registration Department (JPN) director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias said the New Structure 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.
The improvements are expected to enhance identity verification capabilities while reducing the risk of forgery and misuse of identification documents.
The rollout of the New Structure MyKad is expected to be officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on a date to be announced.
As an initial step, JPN announced that the new card will be issued at its headquarters in Putrajaya and 18 selected JPN offices through an appointment system before being expanded nationwide in stages.
The phased approach is intended to ensure a smooth implementation process and avoid congestion at service counters.
JPN also advised the public not to rush to replace their MyKad, as the rollout will be carried out gradually and will not involve simultaneous replacement of all cards.
Priority will be given to applicants who make appointments through the JPN Appointment System, as well as holders of Plastic Identity Cards (KPP), High-Quality Identity Cards (KPT) and Version 1 MyKad.
“Holders of KPP, KPT and Version 1 MyKad are required to replace their cards with the New Structure MyKad in stages within three years,” the department said.
At the same time, JPN assured that existing identity cards remain valid for all official transactions, including the redemption of subsidies and government assistance, and that the security of cardholders’ personal data will continue to be safeguarded.
For further information, the public may visit JPN’s official website at www.jpn.gov.my or its official social media channels.
The introduction of the New Structure MyKad marks the latest chapter in the evolution of Malaysia’s national identification system, which began in 1948 with paper-based identity cards in Peninsular Malaysia before being extended to Sabah and Sarawak.
The system later evolved to plastic identity cards in the 1960s to improve durability, followed by the introduction of high-quality identity cards in the 1980s with enhanced security features.
Malaysia made history in 2001 with the launch of the MyKad, recognised as one of the world’s earliest multipurpose smart cards. The technology was further enhanced in 2012 with a more advanced security chip, while the New Structure MyKad represents the latest step in the continuing evolution of the country’s identity system. — Bernama
