Malaysians do not need to rush to replace their MyKad unless the chip is damaged or no longer functions, the National Registration Department (JPN) has clarified.
JPN director-general Badrul Hisham Alias denied claims that the government is issuing a new MyKad or a special chip to qualify for government aid. He stressed that existing MyKad cards remain valid for all transactions as long as they are still in good condition.
“MyKad has long been used as a platform to verify recipients of government assistance, including current programmes like Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH), the one-off RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), and it will also be used for the distribution of RON95 fuel subsidies,” he said.
According to Badrul Hisham, public confusion arose because of references to “chip replacement,” which in fact refers to cases where the existing chip on a MyKad is damaged and cannot be read at certain outlets.
“For example, if you’re redeeming Rahmah essential items and your MyKad cannot be read, it means the chip is damaged. In that case, you should visit JPN to replace your card,” he explained.
He added that if the chip still works, there is no need to replace the card. Chips on older cards, especially those used for more than 10 years, may fail over time, but cards issued only a year or two ago are likely still fine if they work at participating outlets.
“Replacement is only necessary if the chip is damaged, cannot be read or the card is physically unsuitable for use — not because a new chip exists,” Badrul Hisham clarified.
