Last night, the National Registration Department confirmed that Malaysia’s upcoming new-generation MyKad will come equipped with 53 security features, a significant increase from the 23 security elements found in the current version. The upgraded MyKad is expected to be introduced as early as next month.
Enhanced Security Features for Better Identity Protection
According to National Registration Department director-general Badrul Hisham Alias, the new MyKad will include advanced protections such as laser engraving, ultraviolet elements, holograms, guilloche patterns, microtext, QR codes for enforcement purposes, and an upgraded chip with stronger encryption technology. The move reflects the government’s broader effort to strengthen national identity security as digital fraud, identity theft, and cybersecurity concerns continue to grow.
No Touch ’n Go Function Included
Despite speculation surrounding additional smart features, the new MyKad will not include Touch ’n Go functionality. The clarification was made directly by the National Registration Department during the announcement. This means the focus of the updated card remains firmly on identity verification and security enhancements rather than expanding payment-related features.
Updated MyPoCA and MyTentera Cards Are Also Incoming
Alongside the new MyKad rollout, updated versions of MyPoCA and MyTentera are also expected to launch next month. The coordinated refresh suggests a wider initiative to modernise Malaysia’s official identity documents with stronger anti-counterfeit technologies and more secure authentication methods.
The upgraded MyKad arrives at a time when Malaysia is accelerating its digital identity and cybersecurity efforts, including the rollout of initiatives such as MyDigital ID. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.
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