PUTRAJAYA: Members of the public who visited the National Registration Department’s (JPN) headquarters here walked away with smiles on their faces.
A mother with her two daughters, a student and an airport worker, who came to replace her broken identity card, left beaming on launch day of the new-generation MyKad.
Users welcomed its enhanced security features and continued access to benefits such as Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) and Budi95.
Shaza Nuizeaan Shafie, 48, from Puchong, said she came with her two daughters, Nur Ataa Iqra Abdul Wahab, 21, a UiTM Shah Alam student, and Nur Amnaa Irbah Abdul Wahab, 12, for their MyKad applications.
“It did not take more than 10 minutes. The service was also very good today. Although there seemed to be many people, the process was smooth,” said the contact centre supervisor when met at JPN here yesterday.
Shaza Nuizeaan was also pleased that the new MyKad could still be used to access government benefits.
Puteri Nur Syafiqah Jailani, 19, a UiTM Alor Gajah student from Putrajaya, who couldn’t get an appointment the day before, said she was very satisfied with the process.
“You make an appointment online, go to the counter, show your appointment, get a number, take the photograph, make payment, and come back to get the card.”
Puteri said she found the new design more modern and was impressed by the security features, including those visible under ultraviolet light, as well as the increase from 23 to 53 features.
Airport worker Nurul Shahira Izati Ramly, 24, said she was surprised to learn about the new MyKad when she walked in for a replacement.
“I am excited. I feel more secure,” she said.
Foo Yew Jin, 36, said he liked the new MyKad’s hologram design.
“What is important is that security is guaranteed,” he said.
The sentiment that the new-generation MyKad was timely amid the growing threat of scams and identity theft was also expressed by visitors to JPN in Johor Baru.
Customer service consultant Eddy Edry Eddy Affendy, 21, said the improvements were much needed.
“The enhanced security is the most important update for me, especially in today’s world, where it is common for scammers and loan sharks to misuse our MyKad.”
Fishmonger Chang Kok Wah, 57, said while he looked forward to the new features, the main reason he decided to change his MyKad was due to the faulty chip on his current card.
“I know there are bound to be longer waits at JPN with many coming to get the new version of the card, and I wanted to avoid that.
“Unfortunately the chip on my existing card failed to work when I wanted to pump petrol. I had no choice but to replace it as soon as possible,” he said, adding that the enhanced security features could help reduce the risk of scams.
Customer service officer S. Parwathy, 34, said she was not aware of the new updates but was pleased to learn about them.
“I broke my MyKad two days ago and took leave so that I could settle it.
“I guess it is a good coincidence that I am replacing it after the new features have been introduced.”
JPN Identification Card Division director Muhammad Asraf Sukadi said existing MyKad holders, whose current cards are in good condition, don’t need to change to the new-generation MyKad yet.
However, holders of Plastic Identity Cards (KPP), High-Quality Identity Cards (KPT) and MyKad without a holographic image are required to replace them with the new-generation MyKad, he said.
Muhammad Asraf said the new-generation MyKad could also be used for government aid and subsidies that use MyKad as a verification or redemption medium, subject to the eligibility requirements set by the relevant agencies.
He said Sara balances and eligibility were not stored in the MyKad, but recorded in the Sara system.
“MyKad is used as a medium to verify recipients and to make purchases of basic necessities at participating shops or supermarkets,” he said in a statement.
He added that receiving the new-generation MyKad will not cause a recipient’s Sara balance or eligibility to be lost.
The new MyKad also features enhanced security elements including dynamic security, a QR code, enforcement features, a transparent window, and a dual-interface chip.
