PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are cautiously optimistic about the rollout of the enhanced MyKad next year, saying stronger security features are definitely needed but must be matched with proper safeguards and tighter handling practices.
Former teacher Hamzah Othman, who is in his 60s and lives in Rawang, said the move is timely as it could filter out those carrying fake or cloned MyKad.
“Knowing that it comes with stronger security features will restore faith in the identification system.”
But if the new MyKad ends up facing the same cloning and counterfeiting issues, public trust will be shattered, he said.
Subang Jaya resident Mahinder Singh echoed this, adding that the MyKad is an essential document used in almost every formal process.
“The MyKad is even recognised in other countries. The government is moving in the right direction, and I fully support this progressive step of keeping up with technology,” he said.
However, not all were receptive to the new MyKad.
Arthur Lim, who is in his 40s, questioned the necessity of introducing a new MyKad, especially when concerns about data security have yet to be fully addressed.
He said past incidents involving NRD data leaks had dented public confidence, and adding more personal information on the new MyKad could exacerbate risks if security enhancements are not up to mark.
“We already have the MyDigital ID system, where many services no longer require producing the physical card.
“So why is there still a need to introduce a new MyKad? Is this not a waste of taxpayer funds?
“All this causes extreme concern and fear,” he told The Star.
Lim said the lack of clarity on the workings of the new QR code system is also worrying.
“Previously, only authorised personnel had access to limited details on a person’s MyKad,” he said.
“Now, with a QR code, there is a possibility of broader access if security features are not watertight.”
Lim urged the government to be transparent about how data will be protected and the necessity for a new MyKad, especially when digital verification systems are already in place.
“We want to know how the QR-based features would prevent rather than increase privacy and security risks of our MyKad,” he said.
For S. Rajan of Kajang, the bigger worry is the MyKad being handed around too freely.
“I am not happy with the over-handling of the MyKad by multiple parties.
“Previously, only the police and NRD were allowed to hold it, but now even foreign security guards at buildings have access to it,” said Rajan.
Rajan also hopes the physical quality of the MyKad would be improved to withstand daily wear and tear, recalling how the earlier blue identity card could survive unscathed even after a spin in the washing machine.
The current MyKad cracks easily, and the chip gives way after a few years, especially for men who keep it in their wallets or back pockets, he said.
