A VIRAL TikTok video has sparked a heated debate about MyKad photo guidelines after a woman claimed she successfully obtained her new identity card whilst wearing heavy make-up, coloured contact lenses and thick false eyelashes reminiscent of international rap star Nicki Minaj.
The video, which garnered over 1.5 million views, prompted many Malaysians to question whether the National Registration Department (JPN) actually allows such dramatic alterations to one's appearance in official identification photos.
Is it true that thick make-up and false lashes are permitted for MyKad photos?
Verdict:
FALSE
The National Registration Department does not permit heavy make-up, conspicuous coloured contact lenses or false eyelashes that significantly alter someone's natural appearance in MyKad photos.
The controversy began when a woman posted a TikTok video on Nov 22, 2024, explaining that her MyKad had been stolen and she needed to apply for a replacement.
Wearing dramatic make-up, she asked her followers whether her bold look would be accepted for the official photo, admitting she was too lazy to remove it.
The video quickly went viral, racking up more than 1.5 million views as Malaysians debated whether JPN would actually allow such heavily made-up photos.
Six days later, on Dec 28, the woman posted an update that sent shockwaves through social media.
She claimed she had successfully obtained her new MyKad whilst wearing contact lenses and thick false eyelashes styled after international rap star Nicki Minaj.
"So update, it actually passed. You can wear bold make-up. You can wear lashes, you can wear contact lenses. I don't know if your place doesn't allow it, but my place does.
"So this is my IC, my IC photo. Look how bold I am. Okay, so good luck to those who want to make their IC, okay, bye bye," she said in the video.
The revelation sparked an avalanche of confused comments from Malaysians who had experienced the complete opposite when applying for their own identity cards.
Many shared stories of being asked to remove contact lenses, mascara, eyeliner and even lipstick before their photos could be taken.
The conflicting experiences prompted MyCheck Malaysia to investigate further by contacting JPN directly.
JPN Public Relations Officer Siti Mariani Ayob set the record straight, confirming that heavy make-up which alters someone's original appearance is absolutely not permitted.
She stressed that MyKad photos aren't just casual snapshots but serve a crucial security function.
"The photo on MyKad must show the true appearance as it is an important photo used for identification and security of an individual's identity," she said.
Siti Mariani explained that excessive make-up doesn't just violate guidelines but could create serious practical problems down the line, making it difficult for authorities to verify someone's identity during important transactions or security checks.
She directed people to JPN's official TikTok account @jpnhqofficial, where the department has posted videos explaining the proper guidelines for MyKad photos.
As for the viral video that started it all, JPN isn't letting it slide. Siti Mariani confirmed that the department is examining the footage and launching a detailed investigation to determine how the woman managed to obtain a MyKad that appears to violate official guidelines.
The department said it would be gathering more information about the claim that JPN approved a MyKad with a photo showing heavy make-up that alters the holder's original appearance.
Siti Mariani urged the public to follow JPN's correct photo-taking guidelines to avoid potential problems with their identity cards in the future.
The incident serves as a reminder that whilst social media claims can go viral, they don't always reflect official policy or proper procedure.
MyKad photos must accurately represent someone's natural appearance for security and identification purposes, regardless of what one viral video might suggest.
JPN's swift response and investigation demonstrate the department's commitment to maintaining the integrity of Malaysia's national identification system and ensuring that all MyKads meet the necessary security standards.
References:
1. https://mycheck.my/more.php?id=2501389
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