PETALING JAYA: The National Registration Department (NRD) has issued 275,785 new-generation MyKad identity cards nationwide since their launch on Sept 17, reflecting strong public response to the upgraded cards, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said Johor recorded the highest number of new-generation MyKad issued at 31,392, followed by Kuala Lumpur (29,601), Selangor (26,736), Sarawak (25,642) and Sabah (22,523).
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“The existing MyKad has been in circulation for 12 years. While its security features may have been robust when it was introduced, they may no longer be sufficient as technology advances.
“That is why the NRD has taken steps to upgrade its security features, hence the introduction of the new-generation MyKad,” he said at a press conference held in conjunction with the 78th National Registration Day celebration and the NRD’s Madani Adopted Village and Adopted School programme in Kulai, Johor, today.
He urged the public not to rush when applying for the new cards, assuring them that the department was prepared to meet demand during the transition.
“There is no need to rush. We can assure the public that we have the capacity to meet demand as we transition to the new-generation MyKad,” he said.
Saifuddin said about 24 million MyKad were currently in circulation among Malaysians aged 12 and above, while the department continued to receive an average of 200,000 applications a month across all categories, including new registrations and replacements for damaged cards.
“This translates to approximately 2.4 million applications a year. We do not have a specific projection for when all existing MyKad will be replaced.
“We will continue to process applications steadily, with the priority being to ensure sufficient card supplies for those who choose to switch to the new-generation MyKad,” he said.
He added that having a MyKad was becoming increasingly important as more government initiatives, including subsidised fuel and cooking oil purchases, as well as Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid, required the identity card.