The New Generation MyKad would no longer include Touch ’n Go functionality, while users could continue using either a physical Touch ’n Go card or the Touch ’n Go eWallet.
PUTRAJAYA: Members of the public are advised to make appointments before visiting the National Registration Department (NRD) to obtain the New Generation MyKad, to avoid long waiting times at its counters.
NRD Identity Card Division director Muhammad Asraf Sukadi said walk-in applications were also allowed, but applicants could expect longer waiting times without an appointment.
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“Many may experience FOMO (fear of missing out) and want to replace their MyKad immediately.
“But as the Home Minister said on Tuesday, do not rush to JPN. We encourage people not to crowd JPN as they have a long period to make the replacement,” he told reporters after the launch today.
Appointments can be made through the NRD’s appointment system at mytemujanji.jpn.gov.my.
Muhammad Asraf said the New Generation MyKad could generally be issued within about 30 minutes for applications without complications, while applications for 12-year-old children could take at least an hour.
He said initial public feedback on the new design had been mixed, with some people expressing approval while others were less receptive.
“Design is quite subjective. Some people like it, some people don’t. We accept those views.
“However, the design has been approved by the top management of the Home Ministry and JPN,” he said.
On the new security features, Muhammad Asraf said one of the major enhancements was a transparency window, which he described as difficult to replicate physically.
“Another new feature is a QR code, which can only be read by authorised enforcement agencies.
“The QR code could not be scanned using ordinary mobile phones or cameras and was not intended for payments or other purposes.
“Instead, it would be used to obtain information and assist enforcement agencies in verifying whether an individual was the legitimate holder of the identity card,” he said.
On the removal of Touch ’n Go functionality, Muhammad Asraf said this reflected the evolution of Touch ’n Go services, particularly with the introduction of its eWallet.
He said the New Generation MyKad would no longer include Touch ’n Go functionality, while users could continue using either a physical Touch ’n Go card or the Touch ’n Go eWallet.
Muhammad Asraf also assured the public that replacing their MyKad would not affect government subsidies, including those under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and BUDI programmes.
He said subsidy records were not stored in the MyKad but maintained in the respective SARA or BUDI systems.
“Once they receive the New Generation MyKad, they can continue using the card,” he said.
He said those who urgently needed the new MyKad for subsidy-related purposes could obtain it at 40 NRD branches identified by the department.
The NRD has said existing MyKad holders do not need to replace their cards solely because of the introduction of the New Generation MyKad, provided their cards are not damaged.
The New Generation MyKad is being issued in stages from today, with improvements to its design, physical security features and functionality.
