Don’t rush: Home minister urges Malaysians to avoid MyKad replacement frenzy

PORT DICKSON, Malaysia - Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged Malaysians not to rush to replace their MyKad cards when applications for the new version open on September 17, to prevent congestion at the National Registration Department (NRD) offices. The replacement exercise for the new MyKad, featuring approximately 50 security enhancements, will be carried out in phases, while existing cards will continue to be valid for daily transactions.

Saifuddin stressed that there is no impact on subsidy balances or eligibility for subsidies tied to the identity card, as the records rely on the current MyKad.

The NRD deals with around 13,000 to 15,000 unregistered births annually, a figure Saifuddin described as concerning despite Malaysia's independence spanning several decades. He explained that the failure to register births is attributed to various factors, including insufficient information, social issues, and family problems, all of which could impact children's futures.

Saifuddin emphasized that many people lack awareness that every birth must be registered, and this remains a common occurrence. He called upon parents, guardians, and members of the public with knowledge of unregistered births to seek help at NRD offices.