New MyKad rolls out, but digital services are still catching up
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — Malaysia’s next-generation MyKad has only been rolled out nationwide for a few days,...
On September 21, Malaysia rolled out its new generation MyKad, but the new card design is already causing compatibility issues with several electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) systems. The Touch 'n Go eWallet, Ryt Bank, AEON Bank and GXBank are among the electronic services that are rejecting the new MyKad during the eKYC process.
The MyDigital ID app also fails to recognize the new MyKad design, displaying an error message stating "Wrong ID detected, Ensure correct MyKad is inside the frame." MyDigital ID has confirmed that first-time users with the new MyKad will not be able to complete the normal online registration process until October 1, 2026. Users will have to visit physical MyDigital ID kiosks located nationwide, with nearly 700 kiosks available.
Users who apply for or replace their MyKad at a Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) counter can pre-register for MyDigital ID, allowing them to complete the registration process on their smartphone without scanning their MyKad. The new MyKad design features a substantially redesigned layout and 53 security features, with the cardholder's photograph moved from the right to the left side, and the physical chip relocated from the front to the rear.
These physical changes are causing problems for systems designed to recognize the previous MyKad layout. Despite a delay in the rollout, the new MyKad was made available nationwide on September 17. The lack of coordination between agencies and the industry before the new MyKad was rolled out has resulted in several major digital services not being ready to recognize the redesigned card.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
