PUTRAJAYA: The QR code on the new MyKad cannot be read by ordinary smartphone cameras and is intended solely for use by enforcement agencies, including the National Registration Department.
The department’s Identification Card Division director Muhammad Asraf Sukadi said the QR code was one of the new security features incorporated into the card.
“It cannot be read by ordinary phone cameras. It is not for payment or anything like that, but only to obtain information and for enforcement purposes,” he said when met at the department headquarters here on Thursday (Sept 17).
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He said another security feature was a transparency window on the card, which would be difficult to replicate physically.
The new MyKad also no longer has the Touch ’n Go function found in previous cards.
Asraf said this was because Touch ’n Go had moved towards e-wallet use, including through smartphones, and the MyKad should not be limited to such usage.
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“So, for this feature, we apologise, there is no Touch ’n Go anymore. Users can use a physical Touch ’n Go card or use other options,” he said.
Meanwhile, the first day of operations for the new MyKad saw more than 300 numbers issued in the morning, compared with the usual 100 to 200.
Asraf said this represented an increase of more than 60%, with no major problems reported so far.
He said the process generally took about 30 minutes for adults without complications, while applications for 12-year-olds took an average of about an hour.
Asraf said feedback on the new MyKad design had been mixed, with some people liking it while others did not.
“Design is subjective. Some people like it and some do not. We accept the views,” he said.
He also advised the public not to rush to replace their MyKad, saying there was ample time for the exercise.
Those wanting to avoid long waiting times could make an appointment through the department’s MyJanjiTemu system, while walk-ins were also allowed.
Asraf said the new MyKad would not affect access to subsidies as subsidy records were not stored in the card but in the systems provided for Sara or Budi.
Those needing their new MyKad immediately for subsidy purposes were advised to visit one of the 40 designated JPN branches. Applications at other branches could take five to seven days.
