Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution says Malaysians need not rush to replace existing MyKad cards when the upgraded version launches on June 1.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are not required to immediately replace their existing MyKad when the new version featuring enhanced security features is introduced on June 1, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
Saifuddin said the law only mandates that every Malaysian citizen aged 12 and above must possess a MyKad, but does not require all existing cardholders to switch to the new version at the same time.
“Possessing a MyKad is compulsory, but there is no provision stating that all Malaysians must replace their cards simultaneously,” he told reporters after a site visit to the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) project in Bukit Chagar, Johor, earlier today.
READ MORE: New Malaysia passport & MyKad design coming mid-2026
Saifuddin also urged the public not to rush to National Registration Department (NRD) offices on June 1 to replace their MyKad, as more than 20 million Malaysians currently hold the identification card.
“So I ask the public not to flock to NRD offices on June 1 to replace their cards. Take some time,” he said.
The new MyKad, expected to be introduced next month, will feature 53 security elements compared with 23 in the current version.
NRD director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias said the upgraded features include laser engraving, ultraviolet (UV) elements, holograms, microtext, QR codes for enforcement purposes, and a chip with stronger encryption technology.
He said the enhanced security features are aimed at strengthening identity protection in line with technological developments and evolving security challenges.
However, he clarified that the new MyKad will not include the Touch ‘n Go feature.
