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If you've ever taken a closer look at your East Malaysian friends' MyKad and spotted a mysterious 'K' or 'H' printed near the bottom corner, you're not alone in wondering what it means
That little letter, tucked just below the photo on the right, isn't a printing error. It actually holds legal and historical weight.
For most Peninsular Malaysians, that spot is just blank.
But for Sarawakians, there's a bold 'K'. And for Sabahans, it's an 'H'.
The letters are basically shorthand for the last letter of each state:
'K' = SarawaK
'H' = SabaH
They are part of a long-standing policy linked to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), when Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaya to form Malaysia.
Does that mean Peninsular Malaysians need a "pass" to enter Sabah and Sarawak?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: If you're from Peninsular Malaysia, you're required to provide your IC at the immigration counter when entering Sabah or Sarawak. You'll get a little entry slip to keep until you leave.
Optionally, you can provide your passport, and they will stamp it and let you in, without needing a slip.
It's more of a formality than a big deal. But it does reflect how Sabah and Sarawak have more control over who enters, works, or stays long-term, compared to Peninsular states.
Fun fact: Peninsular Malaysians who want to permanently relocate to Sabah or Sarawak might even need a permit — unlike moving between, say, Selangor and Penang.
So, why do only East Malaysians get these letters on their ICs?
Because of historical agreements, Sabah and Sarawak negotiated for more autonomy before agreeing to join Malaysia.
Part of that deal is to keep some control over immigration, which includes knowing who's officially from there.
So, the letter on their IC acts like a tiny badge of statehood. A reminder that their MyKad is not just an ID, it's also a symbol of their state's unique status within Malaysia.
But what if you're born in Sabah or Sarawak, but don't have an 'H' or 'K'?
The letter only appears if you are legally recognised as a citizen of that state, which isn't automatically guaranteed just by being born there.
There have been cases where children born in Sabah or Sarawak, especially to non-citizen parents, end up with a Peninsular code or no letter at all.
This can affect their access to state-specific benefits, including education, land rights, and government aid.
What if neither of your parents are from there, yet your birth certificate says you were born in Sabah or Sarawak?
It depends. If you meet the citizenship requirements, you might still be eligible.
You'll need to apply for the 'K' or 'H' indicator at a National Registration Department (JPN) office, with documents like:
- Your birth certificate
- Copies of your parents' MyKad (or proof of their Peninsular residency)
- Other supporting documents as requested by JPN
Can you still apply for the 'H' or 'K' on your MyKad even if you weren't born there?
Technically, yes, if at least one of your parents is from Sabah or Sarawak, you may still apply for it.
To apply:
- The parent from Sabah or Sarawak must be physically present at JPN during the application.
- They'll need to bring their MyKad, and possibly their birth certificate.
- You'll need to bring your MyKad and your birth certificate too.
What perks come with having the letter?
Some of the benefits include:
- Priority access to state education and scholarships
- Eligibility for land ownership, especially native land
- Easier access to state government jobs and aid
- Less red tape when handling immigration matters within your home state
According to immigration consultancy Fragomen, Sarawakians and Sabahans can work freely in Peninsular Malaysia, including Labuan, without needing special work authorisation.
The same goes for those from Labuan working in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
But the moment they want to work in each other's states:
- Sabahans need a work pass to work in Sarawak
- Sarawakians need a work pass to work in Sabah
- And Labuanites still need permission to work in Sarawak
Basically, the 'H' and 'K' are like VIP passes in their home states. Not a golden ticket to everything, but definitely a big deal.
From immigration rights to education, land ownership, and jobs, that little letter carries more weight than you'd think.
This article was last updated on 1 August 2025. If you notice any discrepancies or outdated information, please let us know.
