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 (JPN).
JPN Identification Card Division director Muhammad Asraf Sukadi said the QR code was one of the new security features incorporated into the card.
“It is not for payment or anything like that, but only to obtain information and for enforcement purposes,” he said when met at the JPN headquarters here yesterday.
He said another security feature was a transparency window on the card, which would be difficult to replicate.
The new MyKad also no longer has the Touch ’n Go function found in previous cards.
Muhammad Asraf said this was because Touch ’n Go had moved towards e-wallet use, including through smartphones.
“So, for this feature, we apologise, there is no Touch ’n Go anymore. Users can use a physical Touch ’n Go card or other options.”
Muhammad Asraf said feedback on the new MyKad design had been mixed, with some people liking it while others did not.
“Design is subjective. We accept the views, but the design was approved by the top management of the ministry and the department,” 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 JPN’s MyJanjiTemu system, while walk-ins were also allowed.
Muhammad Asraf said the new MyKad would not affect access to subsidies, as subsidy records were not stored on the card but in the systems used 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.
Meanwhile, more than 300 queue numbers were issued on the first day of applications for the new MyKad in the morning, compared with the usual 100 to 200.
Muhammad 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 about an hour on average.
