The government has announced that a new generation of Malaysian identification cards will be introduced starting June 2026, marking a significant upgrade to the nation’s identity security framework.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah told Parliament that the upcoming versions of the MyKad, MyTentera and MyPoCA will be equipped with improved security elements designed to strengthen authentication processes and reduce the risk of counterfeiting.
Stronger digital safeguards
According to the deputy minister, the upgraded IDs will incorporate a QR code feature, enabling quicker and more reliable digital verification for institutions that require identity confirmation.
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He added that the National Registration Department (NRD) continues to manage amendments to personal details cautiously to ensure the accuracy of national records.
“These enhancements are meant to keep our identification system aligned with current technological standards while ensuring public trust in the security of their data,” he said.
MP suggests additional information for clarity
During the debate, Puncak Borneo MP Datul Willie Mongin raised concerns about administrative confusion involving ethnicity and religious status. He cited a recent case in Sarawak where a Bumiputera individual was not acknowledged as such due to assumptions based on religion.
Image credit: Open Access Government
The MP proposed that the government consider displaying Bumiputera status and potentially religious information on the new card formats to avoid similar misunderstanding and improve administrative efficiency. He urged the ministry to study these recommendations carefully.
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