PUTRAJAYA – Members of the public have welcomed the new-generation MyKad, which features 53 security enhancements and began being issued today, describing it as an improvement in technology and identity protection.
Issued by the National Registration Department (NRD), the new-generation MyKad is the seventh-generation identity card and has been upgraded from 23 to 53 security features to meet current needs.
Nineteen-year-old student Puteri Nur Syafiqah Jailani said she was excited to receive the new-generation MyKad on the first day of its issuance, describing the replacement process at the NRD as quick and easy.
“I did not know that the new MyKad would be issued today. When I arrived at the NRD, I saw a notice about it.
“I immediately called my mother and was excited to get it. The security features are definitely better, and I also saw the announcement about the enhanced security features on TikTok,” she said.
Speaking to reporters here, she advised members of the public to make an appointment before visiting the NRD to make the replacement process easier.
“If we have made an appointment, getting a queue number is faster and the waiting time is shorter,” said Puteri Nur Syafiqah, who lives in Putrajaya.
Shaza Nuizeaan Shafie, 48, from Puchong, Selangor, said replacing her MyKad with the new-generation version was easy and that the new card was also more attractive.
She said she went to the Putrajaya NRD to apply for identity cards for her two children, Nur Ataa Iqra Abdul Wahab, 21, and Nur Amnaa Irbah, 12.
“I made an appointment for 9.50am but arrived early. Alhamdulillah, the process was indeed fast, and the new MyKad is also very attractive.
“It has several new security features, which are useful for protecting the cardholder’s identity,” she said.
Forty-seven-year-old Khairul Anuar Azizan, meanwhile, praised NRD staff for handling the issuance of the new-generation MyKad quickly and efficiently.
“The process was really quick, and we did not have to wait long. Many people are excited about the new MyKad,” he said.
Private-sector employee Foo Yew Jin, 36, said the new-generation MyKad looked more secure and featured enhanced security measures.
“The card looks sturdier, so it may be harder to break. Perhaps it will be further improved and have more functions in the future,” he said.
On Tuesday (Sept 15), Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail advised members of the public not to rush to replace their MyKad with the new version when applications opened today.
He said the replacement exercise would be carried out in phases, while existing MyKad cards would remain valid for daily transactions.
Starting today, applications for the new-generation MyKad can be made at 40 NRD branches equipped with printing centres that can produce the cards on the same day.
At NRD branches without printing facilities, applications can still be made, with the cards ready within five working days.
The new-generation MyKad incorporates security elements including a Dynamic Security Hologram and Transparent Window on the front, as well as an Enforcement QR Code and Dual-Interface Chip on the back. –BERNAMA