PUTRAJAYA: Stocks of MyKad are sufficient for the rollout of the Government’s Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) targeted subsidy, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said the National Registration Department (NRD) has also been instructed to extend its counter operation hours to accommodate an expected increase in those replacing their MyKad.
“The NRD will extend its operational hours if there is a need.
“So far, the replacement stocks are sufficient,” he told reporters after visiting the department’s headquarters and monitoring its counter operations yesterday.
On his visit, Saifuddin Nasution said counter services and most transactions were running smoothly.
“There was a big crowd but it was manageable.
“Applicants from several places such as Putrajaya, Salak Tinggi and Subang chose to settle matters at the headquarters due to the faster turnaround.
“Most people are able to get things done within a day,” he said.
Following the announcement of free MyKad replacement for damaged chips until Oct 7, the usual RM10 fee will be waived during the period to ensure Malaysians can fully benefit from Budi95.
“Applications for replacement are expected to rise from the current average of 30,000 a month to about 40,000.
“The government is projected to absorb an estimated RM714,660 in costs due to the fee exemption,” he said.
The minister also urged the public to check their MyKad and replace faulty ones promptly before the Budi95 targeted subsidy programme takes effect.
Saifuddin Nasution said that Sept 30 simply marks the start of the targeted subsidy, so it does not mean Malaysians need to rush to petrol stations on that day.
“Fuel purchases and usage will continue as usual with eligible citizens automatically enjoying the new subsidised rate.
“The targeted subsidy policy, a longstanding government commitment, was developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders,” he said.
“Its main aim is to prevent leakages by ensuring non-citizens no longer benefit from subsidised petrol.
“Savings from the move will be channelled back to Malaysians through other welfare and social justice programmes.”
On another matter, Saifuddin Nasution said the NRD has integrated its MyKad system with the Finance Ministry to prevent lost or stolen identity cards from being misused to claim government financial aid.
He said the measure was taken following reports of lost MyKad being fraudulently used to claim the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah aid.
“The ministry has detected about 100 cases of abuse involving lost MyKad.
“Once a report is received, the NRD will deactivate the lost or stolen card within its system.
“However, the Finance Ministry manages a separate system, which requires synchronisation with the NRD’s database.
“The deactivated MyKad may still be used for claims or transactions.”
Saifuddin Nasution said from now on, when a MyKad is deactivated by the NRD, the Finance Ministry’s system will follow suit and automatically block it.
“The integration will support the Budi95 initiative.”
Saifuddin Nasution also said the process of deactivating MyKad will be carried out with utmost care to safeguard sensitive personal data.
“The issue of abuse (of lost MyKad) is a serious matter.
“We need to focus on what improvements can be made,” he said.
