202,829 pieces of the New Generation MyCard were released in 25 days

GUA MUSANG, Oct 13: A total of 202,829 New Generation MyCads have been issued nationwide since their introduction on Sept. 17 to Oct. 11, said Chief Director of the National Registration Department (JPN) Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias.

He said based on the record of Integrated Smart Identity System (SIIS), total production increased by 33,483 pieces or about 19.8 percent to 169,346 pieces as of Oct. 6.

"The New Generation MyCard not only shows a change in appearance, but also strengthens identity security through 53 security features compared to 23 previous ones.

"The improvements are aimed at strengthening the integrity of documents as well as reducing the risk of identity forgery and misuse", he told a press conference after attending the Registration Literacy Program to mark the 78th National Registration Day in Kelantan at Post Balar here today.

He said the number of MyKad applications in September last year also increased by 25 percent compared to August of the same year.

Badrul Hisham said the five states and provinces that recorded the highest production were the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur at 24,006 pieces, followed by Johor (21,448 pieces), Sarawak (19,069 pieces), Selangor (16,959 pieces), Sabah (16,814 pieces) and Kelantan (9,722 pieces).

Meanwhile, Badrul Hisham said the existing MyCard Holder should not rush to change the ID card to a new version as the old card can still be used for transactions related to Mercy Cash Contribution (STR) and BUDI MADANI as long as the chip is functional.

He said the introduction of the new MyCard does not require people to change their identity cards immediately, especially if existing cards are still in good condition and can be used as usual.

"If there is no damage to the chip, you can claim STR, fill oil and use BUDI MADANI. The public does not have to come to JPN to exchange cards", he said.

Meanwhile, he also asked service providers to upgrade their card reader system to ensure that the electronic identity verification (eKYC) process can be carried out smoothly using the new MyCard.

He said JPN had started negotiations with the service provider since June last year to ensure compatibility of the electronic identity verification system with the new MyKad.

However, Badrul Hisham said the effort required a commitment from service providers, including financially, to enhance their systems' ability to read and verify information on the ID card.

In related developments, he said that 69 out of 70 card production centres had completed the Final Admission Test (FAT) up to 7 October and started operations.

The rest of the centre, namely JPN District Langkawi, was scheduled to undergo FAT on 17 October before commencing operations the following day, subject to a smooth implementation.

In an effort to improve access of services to the community, JPN also implemented Menyemai Kasih Rakyat Program (MEKAR) to assist with birth registration, identification cards and identity documents, especially to facilitate communities facing difficulties in obtaining services. -TVS