News & Reviews:   National Registration Department

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.

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.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has revealed that a 35-year-old man was arrested at 7.30pm in Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur, for using a cloned MyKad to purchase an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. He added that the National Registration Department (JPN) is detaining the suspect, as it is believed that he used another person’s MyKad to take out a loan for the smartphone.

Previously, we shared that 17 million MyKad details were allegedly sold on the Dark Web. Now, the authorities have debunked the claim, stressing that no data leaks have transpired.

The issuance of MyKid for newborns in Malaysia is expected to be delayed for up to 6 months due to the global microchip shortage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. National Registration Department (JPN) confirmed the matter recently, saying that for the time being, parents can use their children’s birth certificates for daily affairs.