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The National Registration Department (JPN) has posted an infographic urging Malaysians to check if their MyKad is working ahead of the one-off RM100 credit distribution
In a Facebook post yesterday, 24 July, the department advised Malaysians to replace their MyKad if the chip is damaged, warning that faulty ICs could affect identification, banking, school registration, accessing public healthcare, and receiving financial aid.
The post comes more than a month ahead of the RM100 aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a televised address on Tuesday, 23 July.
Here are the signs that your MyKad may require replacement, according to JPN:
• The card cannot be read: It fails to scan at machines or self-service kiosks
• Rejected by banks or government agencies: The system cannot retrieve data from your MyKad
• Requires multiple attempts to work: A sign that the chip is starting to malfunction
• Physical damage: The card is scratched, cracked, or bent, which can affect the chip
• The card is too old: Cards over 10 years old may have worn-out or erased chips
Here is how to replace your MyKad if it is damaged
1. Go to a JPN branch or mobile service
• You can visit any JPN branch, including UTC branches and selected mobile services, such as the MEKAR bus or van
• Online applications and the MyPhone-In service are also available for added convenience
2. Take a queue number under the 'rosak' (damaged) category
• Once you arrive, make sure to get a queue ticket for damaged card replacement services
3. Submit your MyKad and personal details
• Hand over your damaged card and provide your details to begin the replacement process
4. Pay the replacement fee
• You will need to pay RM10 for a MyKad replacement.
• For MyKAS and MyPR, the fee is RM40
• If the card was damaged within 12 months of issuance, the replacement is free
You can get your replacement MyKad within 30 minutes at JPN state headquarters, JPN branches at UTCs, and selected JPN offices.
For other branches in Peninsular Malaysia, the process takes five working days, while branches in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan require up to seven working days.
If you want your MyKad to last longer, JPN shared tips to take care of it
1. Keep it in a card holder
• Always store your MyKad in a proper holder to prevent scratches and bending
2. Don't bend or fold it
• The chip and card surface can get damaged if bent or folded; handle it gently
3. Avoid heat and moisture
• Exposure to water or high temperatures can destroy the chip or warp the card
4. Keep it away from magnets
• Avoid placing your MyKad near magnetic items, which may interfere with the chip
5. Avoid rough surfaces
• Friction from rough handling or abrasive surfaces can wear out the chip over time
6. Don't insert it into unknown machines
• Only use your MyKad on trusted and official devices, as unknown machines may damage the chip
