KOTA KINABALU: Sabah accounted for over 8% of the nationwide rush to replace MyKad, with 814 cards renewed here out of some 10,000 replacements recorded across the country since the two-week free replacement exercise was announced on Tuesday (Sept 23).
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the surge came ahead of the rollout of the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) targeted fuel subsidy on Tuesday (Sept 30).
Under the scheme, Malaysians will continue enjoying RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, verified through their MyKad and a valid driving licence, while non-citizens will have to pay market prices.
“Normally, around 1,000 replacements are done each day nationwide, which brings the number to about 30,000 a month.
"Since the announcement of Budi95, that number has spiked,” Saifuddin told the media after presenting flood relief to affected Home Ministry staff and members of the public here on Friday (Sept 26).
He reminded the public that until Oct 7, damaged MyKad chips can be replaced free of charge, a service that usually costs RM10.
On the flood relief, he said the initiative reflects the empathy and care the Madani government seeks to show.
“This is about protecting people’s welfare. Agencies under the Home Ministry must demonstrate compassion through real action, whether by ensuring access to subsidies, supporting disaster victims or replacing lost documents,” he said.
Touching on disaster preparedness in his speech earlier, Saifuddin said more than 20,000 police officers nationwide have been placed on standby with a full range of support assets, such as boats, trucks, drones, helicopters and aircraft, to handle the upcoming north-east monsoon.
“While displaced residents are safe in relief centres, police must also protect the homes and property they leave behind.
"Our focus is on safeguarding both lives and belongings, and discipline within the force ensures we are always ready,” he said.
He commended the police and other Home Ministry agencies for their swift action in flood-hit areas, noting their efforts to maintain security, provide rescue support and protect communities.
“We came down to show concern, starting with our own frontliners. These efforts must continue so that both the people and our officers benefit,” he added.
He also said that flood victims who lost identification and other vital documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, can also apply for free replacements at any National Registration Department office.
“When people evacuate during floods, important documents are often lost or destroyed. We want to ease that burden by offering replacements without charge,” Saifuddin said.
