Kuala Lumpur (May 30) - Malaysians need not make a hurried trip to their nearest National Registration Department office to swap out their identity card, with the department confirming that all existing MyKad remain fully accepted for official purposes, including the collection of government subsidies and aid.
Bernama reported on May 29 that the NRD issued a statement clarifying that the formal rollout of the New Structure MyKad will only commence following a launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with the date yet to be fixed. The department said distribution would begin at its Putrajaya headquarters and 18 selected offices nationwide through an appointment-based system, before being rolled out further in stages — an approach intended to keep the process orderly and prevent counter queues from building up.
According to Bernama, the NRD identified three groups of cardholders who will be prioritised for early replacement: those holding the older Plastic Identity Card, the High Quality Identity Card, and the first-generation MyKad issued without a ghost image. These groups will be given three years to make the switch to the new card format.
The assurance is further reinforced by a statement Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail made earlier this month. Bernama reported on May 8 that Saifuddin told reporters in Johor Bahru that while carrying a MyKad is compulsory for all Malaysians aged 12 and above, the law places no obligation on existing cardholders to replace their cards the moment the new version is introduced. He noted that more than 20 million Malaysians currently hold the card.
The NRD also moved to address data security concerns, assuring the public that personal information embedded in MyKad would continue to be safeguarded under government-mandated protection controls and the enhanced security features built into the new card format.
For Sabahans, many of whom depend on MyKad-linked access to assistance programmes such as Sumbangan Asas Rahmah and BUDI MADANI RON95, the clarification is reassuring. The NRD had previously confirmed that the transition to the new card structure would not affect the databases of existing aid recipients, meaning no eligible person stands to lose access during the changeover period.
Those seeking further details on the new MyKad, including a frequently asked questions guide, can refer to the NRD's official portal.