A woman in Malaysia discovered the hard way that losing her MyKad multiple times can be costly, after realizing her identity card was missing while trying to apply for the RM100 government “SARA” assistance program.
She shared her experience on social media, explaining that she normally keeps her MyKad together with her driving license, but she was unsure how it went missing this time.
“After filing a police report, I went to the Urban Transformation Centre to replace it and was charged a total of RM1,010—RM10 as processing fee and RM1,000 as a fine. I admit this was my own oversight,” she said.
This was not her first time losing her MyKad. Four years ago, she lost it during a flood but simply updated it without reporting the loss. She noted that she rarely uses her MyKad for daily transactions, relying instead on mobile apps like QR codes or Apple Pay. She only realized it was missing when she needed it for the SARA application.
According to the National Registration Department, the fees for lost MyKad are as follows:
- First loss: RM10 processing fee + RM100 fine = RM110 total
- Second loss: RM10 processing fee + RM300 fine = RM310 total
- Third or subsequent loss: RM10 processing fee + RM1,000 fine = RM1,010 total
Authorities have repeatedly warned that losing important documents like MyKad can affect daily life, including:
- Government aid inaccessibility: Programs such as SARA, student allowances, and other incentives require MyKad.
- Limited access to official services: Opening bank accounts, registering SIM cards, hospital visits, and job interviews all require a valid MyKad.
- Legal risk: Under the 1959 National Registration Act, not carrying a MyKad can result in fines up to RM20,000 or imprisonment for up to three years.
- Identity misuse: Lost MyKad can be exploited for loans, financial fraud, or other criminal activity.
- Travel and driving limitations: Passport applications, renewing driving licenses, and immigration matters all require a MyKad.
