News & Reviews:   MyKad

In case you missed the news over the weekend, Malaysia is set to introduce stricter online safety measures beginning 1 June, requiring social media users to verify their age using official government-issued documents. The move comes under new regulations introduced through the Online Safety Act 2025 by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

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.

Malaysia is set to introduce a major upgrade to its digital and border management infrastructure, with the rollout of the MyNIISe scheduled for June. The move will take place alongside enhancements to the security features of MyKad, signalling a broader push toward strengthening national identity and immigration systems.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is examining proposals to expand the use of the MyKad-based digital ecosystem, including integration with the Basic Rahmah Contribution (SARA) system to strengthen identity verification in monitoring the sale of subsidised cooking oil.

Today, Malaysia’s government has confirmed that a one-off payment of RM100 will be disbursed to all eligible Malaysians aged 18 and above under the SARA For All programme. The aid will be credited directly into recipients’ MyKad starting Monday, 9 February 2026.

In early January, we reported that MCMC planned to ban under-16s from social media this year. We have another new update today, as news sources report that the government is preparing to implement a minimum age requirement for social media accounts, which is expected to come into effect as early as July 2026, subject to completion of ongoing preparatory work.

The Malaysian government has very big plans for MyDigital ID. According to news sources, they are aiming to attract 15 million new MyDigital ID registrations during 2026 as part of a broader effort to deepen adoption of a unified digital identity system nationwide.

In case you missed the news, the Malaysian government has confirmed a gradual transition to the upgraded MyKad with enhanced security and digital verification features. According to the National Registration Department (NRD), ordinary Malaysians do not need to rush to replace their current MyKad. The change will only become mandatory when the full ecosystem is ready.

Malaysia will introduce a new generation of national identity cards starting June 2026. So, what should you know about it?

It was only a week ago when Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government is looking to implement age verification and identity checks for all users on social media. Looks like things are getting serious, as MCMC will convene meetings next week — in cooperation with other government agencies — with major social-media platform providers including Meta Platforms (Facebook/Instagram), Google LLC, X Corp (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.