8th May 2026 - 2 min read
The National Registration Department (JPN) has confirmed that the new MyKad, expected to be introduced next month, will carry 53 security elements, more than double the 23 on the current version. JPN director general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias made the announcement after a management meeting with the media in Putrajaya on 7 May 2026.
The upgraded card will include laser engraving, ultraviolet elements, holograms, guilloche patterns, microtext, QR codes for enforcement purposes, and a chip with enhanced encryption technology. Badrul Hisham said the upgrade reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening identity security in line with technological advancements and evolving security challenges.
Updated versions of MyPoCA and MyTentera will also be introduced at the same time. The exact launch date will be announced by the Home Ministry.
Badrul Hisham clarified that the new MyKad will not include a Touch ‘n Go feature, addressing any speculation that the upgrade might integrate e-wallet functionality into the card.
The QR code and enhanced chip encryption are particularly significant given how widely MyKad is used for identity verification, across banking, government portals, and telco registration. The upgrade also connects to broader efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s digital identity infrastructure, including the rollout of MyDigital ID as the standard login method for government services.
No details on replacement costs or procedures have been announced yet. JPN is expected to release more information closer to the launch date.
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Iman writes about personal finance with curiosity. She is interested in the stories behind money, the hesitation around big decisions, and the small habits that shape financial futures. Off the clock, she is either dissecting a film or climbing her way up the leaderboard in her favourite games.
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