Chronicling evolution of MyKad since 2001: MyKad – Shaping the future of Malaysia’s digital citizens

 

Badrul Hisham showing old identity cards on display at NRD.

rds on display at NRD.

With a single card, individuals can confirm their Malaysian citizenship and seamlessly handle daily tasks such as paying toll, using public transport and buying essentials.

Efficient and convenient – that’s how several users describe their experience using MyKad in daily life.

Some are even updating their MyKad to ensure they have access to the one-off RM100 cash aid given out by the government for the purchase of essentials from Aug 31 in conjunction with National Day.

The identity card of Malaysia’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj on display at the NRD museum. (Right) Badrul Hisham showing old identity cards.

“I don’t need to carry multiple cards in my wallet.

“MyKad is enough,” said trader Roslina Daud, who uses it as an alternative Touch ‘n Go (TNG) payment method for tolls and parking fees.

Private sector worker Maisara Abdul, who uses public transport to commute to work, said the My50 pass integrated with MyKad was convenient as she no longer needed to carry multiple travel passes for different modes of transport.

Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid recipient Rohani Abdullah welcomed the use of MyKad as a payment method for basic necessities, saying it helps reduce the risk of loss or theft.

“With MyKad, Sara recipients like me do not need to queue at banks or automated teller machines (ATMs) to withdraw money.

“We can go directly to the supermarket, pick up essential items and pay using MyKad,” she said.

History of MyKad

MyKad, or Government Multipurpose Identity Card, was introduced in 2001.

New MyKad waiting to be collected at NRD Putrajaya. — Filepic

Its goal was to modernise the national identity system, enhance identity security and offer a digital platform that integrates multiple applications into a single card.

Commenting on MyKad’s evolution over more than two decades, National Registration Department (NRD) director-general Badrul Hisham Alias said four versions had been introduced, with the latest launched in 2012.

However, the department is now in the final phase of developing a new MyKad version with enhanced security features.

“The first version used plastic before being upgraded to Polikad 2.0, followed by the current version, which includes additional features like a ‘ghost image’ to improve security.

“Overall, MyKad underwent major changes in 2012 to keep up with technological developments, including design, security features and chip technology,” he said in an interview with Bernama.

Explaining the meaning behind the term “MyKad”, he said “My” referred to Malaysia, while “Kad” meant identification card – its main function being to identify all Malaysian citizens.

“MyKad is the continuation of the country’s identity document (ID) system, which started with paper cards (1948-1960), then blue plastic ID cards (1960-1990), followed by the hibiscus cards (high-quality IDs from 1990-2001) and now, the modern MyKad,” he said.

Although not fully digital, MyKad is designed to support various government transactions and services by integrating digital applications like driving licences, international passport information, basic health data and e-wallets.

“MyKad is widely used in Malaysia’s public healthcare sector, especially for managing medical records, vaccinations and access to public hospital services through identity verification.

The country’s ID system started with paper cards (1948-1960). — Photos: Bernama

“We have also collaborated with agencies like Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to improve the effectiveness of financial aid delivery,” he said.

Security features

On public concerns about MyKad’s security, especially if it becomes more widely used, Badrul Hisham said the latest card version contained a chip with built-in security features.

“This chip can only be read, written and recorded by NRD’s approved systems.

“While the chip is also used in other industries, its usage in MyKad is tightly controlled,” he explained.

Visible security features include the “ghost image” using laser engraving technology and enhanced smart chip capacity.

While chip card readers are widely available in the market, only NRD-approved devices can access MyKad data.

Badrul Hisham said data sharing with other agencies like LHDN, Road Transport Department (JPJ), police, Health Ministry and others was conducted securely under a “whole-of-government” approach.

While chip card readers are widely available in the market, only NRD-approved devices can access MyKad data. — Filepic

He noted that the MyKad chip was equipped with security keys to prevent unauthorised data access or misuse.

“MyKad data can only be accurately accessed using card readers programmed with specific command sets supplied by certified vendors.

“Fingerprint data is encrypted and requires matching keys for access.

“Any information update can only be done at NRD counters through a card replacement process,” he explained.

Badrul Hisham added that data sharing was regulated and must be approved by the NRD director-general.

“This sharing is only allowed for specific purposes, like improving public services, policy development or research – all while ensuring data confidentiality and security,” he said.

Regarding the risk of MyKad forgery or data cloning, he said the card was designed according to international standards and was very difficult to forge.

“Security features exist on multiple layers of the card, with some requiring special tools for verification.

“This makes MyKad, especially the chip, very hard to counterfeit,” he said.

Role in aid

Currently, MyKad is used to distribute financial aid such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sara and eKasih.

Sara, for example, involves 5.4 million recipients using aid from the Finance Ministry to purchase items from 14 categories at participating outlets.

On the perception that Sara funds are “loaded” into MyKad, Badrul Hisham clarified that no money was credited to the card itself.

Instead, recipients’ data is accessed through the store’s system during transactions.

“At participating stores, simply present your MyKad.

“Once your ID number is entered, your name will appear and you can shop based on your allocated aid amount,” he said, adding that the system also showed the remaining balance.

“For the RM100 Sara aid announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, recipients only need to present their MyKad to the cashier for identity verification,” he said.

Badrul Hisham stressed that the aid redemption could not be delegated to another individual.

“It is important to remember that MyKad cannot be held or used by others, including family members, in accordance with Regulation 25(1)(e) of the National Registration Regulations 1990,” he said.

Violators may face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to RM20,000, or both.

Badrul Hisham acknowledged that NRD’s initial goal to make MyKad a multi-purpose platform had yet to be fully realised, despite it being in place for 24 years.

Interest from government agencies in using MyKad as a core service delivery platform has also waned.

He said the latest MyKad version could support digital applications for payments, health records and banking, because of its increased chip capacity – 124KB or 128KB compared to the previous 84KB.

“But many agencies have stopped using MyKad in their systems – like JPJ.

“Otherwise, we would not need to carry a physical driver’s licence; MyKad would suffice.”

Physical vs digital

Commenting on MyDigital ID and MyKad, Badrul Hisham said the physical MyKad was governed by the National Registration Act 1959 and would remain relevant despite MyDigital ID implementation.

NRD is committed to ensuring MyKad remains a robust and relevant identity document, aligned with technological progress and public needs, he said.

In the future, he added, MyKad would not only serve as a physical ID, but also as a key to Malaysia’s digital ecosystem, integrating government, financial, healthcare and social services into one secure, efficient and accessible platform.

“Even in other countries with digital systems, physical ID cards still play a role.

“Our goal is to provide fully end-to-end services, including digital services.”

To support this, NRD is in the process of amending the National Registration Act to enable digital applications via MyKad.

Dr Umi Hamidaton Mohd Soffian Lee, a senior lecturer from the Economics and Muamalat Faculty at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) said MyKad remained crucial in the distribution of aid and subsidies.

“MyKad serves as an integrated database, enabling the government to identify target groups for aid distribution and targeted subsidies based on the profile contained in the MyKad, which includes information such as individual and household income, records of government aid received such as STR and Sara, and number of dependants,” she said.

Citing the example of implementing targeted subsidies for petrol, she said using MyKad was more efficient as the card’s security features could prevent duplication.

“However, if the government intends to implement targeted petrol subsidies via MyKad scanning in the future, it is advisable to first enhance information and digital technology infrastructure in rural areas,” she said.

Umi Hamidaton also recommended that the quality of MyKad continue to be improved, noting that incidents still occurred where the security chip could not be read and the card itself broke easily.

Blockchain enhancement

Blockchain technology can improve MyKad’s security and transparency by storing data in immutable digital ledgers, enabling full audit trails for each access and using cryptography for secure identity verification.

Dr Nor Alina Ismail, Data Science and Computing Faculty head at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), said blockchain could ensure better data integrity through permanent records, cryptography and transparent verification across networks – making manipulation or hacking very difficult.

“Unlike centralised systems that are vulnerable to breaches and data loss, blockchain offers distributed storage and real-time audit trails, ideal for sensitive data like health records and digital identity if combined with strong privacy protection mechanisms,” she explained.

She said MyKad could be enhanced into a digital identity wallet through blockchain, integrating personal data like e-wallets, digital certificates, driving licences, health records and ID data securely in a single chain of identity.

She added that zero-knowledge proofs could allow verification of status – such as citizenship or age – without disclosing the full data, improving privacy.

The technology also enables cross-sector use (government, banking, healthcare, education and transport) through shared ledgers and automated smart contract verification.

“For instance, when applying for a bank loan, the bank can verify ID through NRD and employment status via EPF or LHDN without needing physical documents.

“This access can also be restricted via permissioned blockchain and logged for auditing, making processes more efficient and less prone to fraud while giving users full control,” she said.

However, for full implementation, a legal framework, stable digital infrastructure and strong privacy protection are required.

Anticipating that MyKad will evolve into a fully digital identity system within five to 10 years, Nor Alina said Malaysia could emulate countries like Estonia, which had a comprehensive digital identity system.

But, she acknowledged that building a blockchain-based MyKad system would require large government investment in technology, digital infrastructure upgrades, long-term maintenance and training.

“The main challenge is the high initial cost due to upgrading current systems, bridging the digital divide, enhancing existing laws, drafting new ones and developing a comprehensive cybersecurity policy,” she said.

“However, this transformation depends on the readiness of digital infrastructure, the legal framework, public technological literacy and data security assurance.

“Therefore, in this decade, we may see a hybrid approach, where MyKad exists in both physical and digital forms before fully transitioning to a blockchain-based digital identity once the nation’s technological and legal ecosystem is truly ready,” added Nor Alina.

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Jalur Gemilang and the rise of political bullies; Malaysian flag hoisted upside down heats up debate ahead of national day celebrations

 

Politicians-turned-bullies usually have a dismal record on ideas and achievements, and act out to have a temporary sense of superiority or confidence.

MALAYSIANS have read a lot about the many bullies in our country, mostly in schools, hostels, and workplaces, as well as online.

But what is less talked about are the political bullies and their disturbing posturing.

If there is a ranking, these bullies, who shamelessly call themselves Yang Berhormat, must be the worst.

We expect elected representatives to bring people together, to mediate disputes, advise those who erred and be charitable.

We would like them to be exemplary role models to younger citizens but many fail miserably.

Instead, they become agitators, issue warnings, are confrontational and intimidating, and, most pathetically, turn into racists as they pick and choose their targets.

All bullies have some common traits: They target people they perceive as weaker, they love to dominate, and feel a need to control others to boost their own self-worth or mask insecurity.

Bullies often target individuals who are different – by race, gender, sexuality, disability, etc.

Needless to say, they have low empathy and probably suffer from some form of psychological problem.

If we dig deeper, it wouldn’t be surprising to learn they had been victims of bullying themselves or suffer from a chronic inferiority complex.

They have difficulty understanding or caring about how others feel; such emotional detachment makes it easier for them to harm others without remorse.

As political leaders, they probably have a dismal record on ideas and achievements, thus bullying gives them a temporary sense of superiority or confidence.

To conceal their poor performance, bullies often act out to impress peers or climb the social ladder.

They may thrive on the reactions they get from an audience, especially from comments sections online.

They really don’t deserve space in the media but social media news portals, hungry for eyeballs, have given these losers generous space to shout in.

These media portals do not even bother to moderate their comments section – by right, those who post nasty, racist remarks should be hauled up to face sedition charges.

In Malaysia, playing the racial and religious cards is the fastest way to become communal heroes.

Those who do so seem to be able to attract many admirers with their aggression and impulsiveness.

They fan a racial angle with their inflammatory statements, postures, and gestures, with warnings of protests, and of course, keep the police busy with their many reports.

In the latest case, this recalcitrant politician has even given the authorities an ultimatum and a deadline to act by.

There must be no space for political bullies with their prejudices and intolerances. We shouldn’t keep silent and let such cowardly behaviour continue.

Many of us are working towards a kinder, progressive, and moderate Malaysia.

How can we recite the tenets of the Rukun Negara when political bullies blatantly disregard “achieving and fostering unity in society’’ and have no “courtesy and morality” as enshrined in the nation’s principles?

As we prepare to celebrate National Day in two weeks, there should be an air of celebration with Malaysians coming together, with reminders that we are one as Malaysians.

In my neighbourhood, I have been taken aback that my household is the only one that has hoisted the Jalur Gemilang and the Selangor flag.

The other houses are devoid of flags for reasons I cannot comprehend. Have my neighbours lost their enthusiasm – or are they afraid of putting them up wrongly?

It will be sad if we have come to a point where Malaysians – especially shopkeepers – choose not to fly the Jalur Gemilang out of fear lest they make a mistake and that mistake becomes a hot political issue.

I hope they won’t emulate my friend, analyst and columnist Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi, who has said he will not fly the national flag in his home and on his car this year in case of potential sabotage. He does not want it made into a political tool to incite hatred.

“We are supposed to love our flag with pride but the current reactions to those who made mistakes regarding the flag have become a political tool to attack others and incite hatred.”

Flying the Jalur Gemilang upside down is a serious matter, and getting the flag wrong, with missing stripes or points on the crescent are also offensive errors, but they are not unforgivable.

Many of these angry politicians barely squeak when it comes to more serious wrongdoings like corruption.

Why can’t these politicians just walk to these shops or places of worship and just adjust the flags correctly and explain to the people how they went wrong?

Instead, the politicians choose to be arrogant bullies in their videos to prove to their audiences that they have to teach these purported “disloyal Malaysians” a lesson.

The offenders they pick on always happen to be Chinese, and as a minority race, they become perfect targets for bullies.

Yet these self-proclaimed communal heroes quickly hide their tailcoats and do a Houdini disappearing act when their own political party members make the same error.

Can we expect the party members of these YBS to lodge police reports against their own and to insist that an apology is not sufficient?

There is also a need for the police to be seen to be fair or not react because of pressure from certain politicians. We expect our men and women in blue to be fair.

In May, two Sin Chew Daily editors found themselves handcuffed after the paper printed an incorrect illustration of the Jalur Gemilang on the cover, with the police having to call up 42 witnesses for the silly mistake.

Surely the police did not need to handcuff them, giving the perception of an overreaction.

The same month, it was reported that Terengganu PAS had to say sorry for mistakes in the national flag that was part of a logo designed for a gathering.

Around the same time, there was another blunder in an official document which contained an inaccurate depiction of the Jalur Gemilang, resulting in several senior officers of the Education Ministry’s examination board being transferred.

Last week, the same illustration gaffe was made on social media by Terengganu Youth and certainly the apology by its chairman, Tengku Haphiz Tengku Putera, is sufficient.

A viral image showing the Malaysian flag being flown upside down at a district police headquarters also resurfaced last week. The police had to explain that it was a 2016 incident and not a recent one.

The point is, even the police can make a mistake and why not, after all, the police constable responsible for raising the flag is also a human being who can err.

The national flag was, in fact, flown upside down at a National Day rehearsal in 2022 because there was an error in raising it, according to news reports.

There will be such mistakes made by Malaysians, regardless of their race or political affiliations. To err is human, to forgive is divine.

I would be more concerned with Malaysians who fly a tattered Jalur Gemilang.

My friend Anas Zubedy wrote that these errors “are not always acts of disrespect – but are often human error.

“When such incidents occur, especially involving our beloved Jalur Gemilang, our response matters.

“Do we react with anger and suspicion, or do we pause, reflect, and choose to respond with understanding and wisdom?

“This is where we must return to the very spirit of the four colours of the flag.

“Let blue guide us to unity and calm. Let white remind us to be sincere and honest in our assessment. Let red give us courage to correct with dignity, not to shame. And let yellow inspire us to act with grace and respect, as our royal traditions teach.’’

To these bully politicians and those who habitually make racist remarks, my question is: Do you even make it a point to put up the Jalur Gemilang in your homes every year?

Certainly, Malaysia and Malaysians deserve better quality leaders. These bully politicians don’t deserve our votes in the next elections.

By Wong Chun WAI national Journalism Laureate datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai is the chairman of Bernama. The views expressed here are solely the writer’s own.

Malaysian flag hoisted upside down heats up debate ahead of national day celebrations

The upside-down flag incident at a Penang hardware shop caused a rift between the Malay and Chinese communities ahead of Malaysia's National Day celebrations on Aug 31.

PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM NAZIRUL HAFIZ/FACEBOOK

KUALA LUMPUR – Socks with the word “Allah” printed on them, “ham” sandwiches and now Malaysian flags displayed upside down – Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh does not seem to run out of controversies to stoke tensions.

This time, he has threatened to “educate” a Chinese hardware shopkeeper in Penang on how to properly hoist the national flag, after the latter flew it upside down outside his shop on Aug 9.

“If there are no charges on this individual by Wednesday, then God willing on Thursday I will go, and we will give a class to educate this Ah Pek on how to properly hoist the flag,” he said in a Facebook video on Aug 11.

This was the second reported incident of the national flag being improperly displayed, following a case at a Chinese primary school in Negeri Sembilan on Aug 1.

The Penang shopkeeper, Mr Pang Chin Tian, 59, was arrested on Aug 9 after more than 15 police reports were made against him. He had earlier apologised to the public, saying he did not realise the flag was upside down.

“Every year, I will hoist the flag on the long pole on my shop since its opening 11 years ago. This is to show my patriotism,” he was quoted as saying in Malaysia’s Chinese-language daily China Press after his release on Aug 12.

Even so, some in the Chinese community have said on social media that they would not fly the Malaysian flag in 2025 for fear of being bullied as the issue has become political.

The controversy, just ahead of Malaysia’s national day on Aug 31, has created a divide yet again between Malaysia’s two biggest ethnic groups.

The affair was featured prominently on the front page of the country’s largest Chinese newspaper, Sinchew Daily, on Aug 11, while the largest Malay daily, Sinar Harian, has been focusing on the death of a 13-year-old student in Sabah, a suspected victim of bullying in school.

Datuk Akmal is no stranger to controversy.

In March 2024, he led calls to boycott the popular KK Super Mart chain after a pair of socks was found to have the word “Allah” in Arabic printed on them . The issue sparked widespread debate, with responses from political and religious figures.

The Umno Youth chief again stoked tensions in January, drawing angry responses and calls for boycotts against KK Super Mart, after its outlet in Universiti Malaya was found to have sold a “ham” and cheese sandwich with a fake halal label.

The “ham” turned out to be chicken meat, but the authorities confirmed that the halal label was used without a proper permit.

The flag blunders created the feeling among some in the Malay community that the national flag, widely called the Jalur Gemilang – Stripes of Glory – was being disrespected.

For Mr Shahriful Saiful, 26, who flies the flag every year on national day, what took place was unacceptable and warranted stern action.

“We’ve learnt the basics of hoisting the flag since our school days. The top edge of the flag is sewn, so it’s clear how to fly it correctly. If the flag is flown upside down, it has to be intentional,” the private sector employee told The Straits Times.

Professor Kartini Aboo Talib believes the incidents should be taken seriously by the authorities to prevent their recurrence.

“I think the issue runs deeper and reveals the level of knowledge, experience and appreciation of Bahasa Melayu, patriotism and nation-building, which are still lacking in daily activities by most non-Malay communities,” the deputy director of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of Ethnic Studies told ST.

The view of the Chinese community is that the errors made do not merit threats from Dr Akmal, who is also a state lawmaker from Melaka. He has said that Umno will protest in front of the Penang shop should the shopkeeper not be charged in court soon.

In response, Mr Anthony Loke, secretary-general of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) – the biggest party in Malaysia’s governing coalition – said on Aug 12 that the party “strongly condemns certain quarters for openly pressuring the Attorney-General’s Office to charge a shopkeeper in Penang for his mistake while hoisting the Jalur Gemilang outside his shop”.

Rejecting the “openly bullying tactics”, he said DAP is sponsoring a giant national flag to be hung outside the Penang shop and the distribution of 831 free flags – the number chosen to signify Malaysia’s national day on Aug 31.

To alleviate the anxiety among Chinese Malaysians, Deputy Finance Minister and DAP member Lim Hui Ying on Aug 10 encouraged the public to fly the flag without any fear of making mistakes.

But her efforts in distributing the Malaysian flag in her constituency were less successful. Some members of the public refused to accept the flag. A similar flag distribution by the DAP in a market in Negeri Sembilan got a cold reception.

Mr Lee Hwa Beng, a former assemblyman for the Malaysian Chinese Association, said he would not hoist the Jalur Gemilang though he had been doing so for the past two decades.

“I fear being called up for whatever reason, like (the flag is) too old or dirty due to exposure, or the wind may blow the flag upside down... So I won’t put (it) up this year not because (I am) unpatriotic, but (because I) fear being charged,” Datuk Lee said in a post on X on Aug 10.

His post had garnered more than 230,000 views as at the evening of Aug 12.

Political analyst Phoon Wing Keong said that Umno’s aggressive approach could undermine Malaysians’ emotional connection to the nation.

“Patriotism should be rooted in a citizen’s genuine affinity for the country. If the upside-down flag incident is excessively politicised, especially when it’s unintentional, it may erode national unity and dampen public enthusiasm,” the head of the Huayan Policy Institute, a Chinese Malaysian community think-tank, told ST.

Lu Wei Hoong is Malaysia correspondent at The Straits Times, specialising in transport and politics.