Malaysia Launches New MyKad ID With Biometric Tech
Malaysia has launched applications for its redesigned MyKad national identity card, featuring advanced biometric verification and a secure QR code system.
Malaysia has officially opened applications for its new generation national identity card, the MyKad, which integrates advanced biometric verification and a QR code system. The updated national ID is slated for distribution to at least 24 million citizens.
What Happened
Applications are now open for the redesigned MyKad, produced by Datasonic Technologies Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of card supplier NexG Bhd. The updated national identification card introduces enhanced biometric identity verification alongside a built-in QR code.
Card supplier NexG asserts that the new ID is the first globally to combine both functions. According to the company, the system is capable of supporting live facial matching against the records of the National Registration Department (JPN).
However, JPN has clarified several operational restrictions regarding the card's features. The department stated that the QR code is currently limited exclusively to authorized enforcement use and cannot be read by standard smartphone cameras. Furthermore, JPN noted that the QR code is not designed for payment processing.
Key Details
- Expected issuance: At least 24 million Malaysians.
- Manufacturer: Produced by Datasonic Technologies Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of NexG Bhd.
- Security features: Equipped with 53 security features, many of which will be rolled out progressively.
- QR code usage: Restricted to authorized enforcement personnel, unreadable by ordinary smartphone cameras, and not intended for payments.
- Touch 'n Go: Previous built-in Touch 'n Go functionality has been removed from the new card.
Why It Matters
The rollout of the new MyKad represents a major update to Malaysia's national identification infrastructure, transitioning millions of citizens to a card equipped with 53 security features and biometric capabilities. The transition also brings notable changes to how citizens interact with the card, including the removal of previous Touch 'n Go functionality and strict limitations on how enforcement agencies utilize the newly integrated QR code.
What We Know So Far
Confirmed facts include the opening of applications for the new MyKad, its production by Datasonic Technologies for at least 24 million citizens, the inclusion of 53 progressive security features, and JPN's enforcement-only restrictions on the QR code. Unconfirmed or future proposals from card supplier NexG include the potential future introduction of an optional digital wallet at zero cost to the government or citizens, live facial matching capabilities, and the possible future commercialization of the QR code system for customer onboarding by approved commercial entities like banks, telecom operators, and retailers. Additionally, access to government subsidies remains noted as a subject of alleged past corruption.
