MyKad Woes

It appears that the authorities will not be able to process all the backlog of MyKad applications, as there is a back-pedaling on the penalty for applying after 31st December 2005, the official cut off date.

There is also the problem of tampering with the MyKad, as some syndicates have been able to remove the laminate and change the photo. As the chip does not have a photo image, this plan will work if the person’s appearance matches somewhat the details read by the chip reader.

While it is good that there is only a small payment being considered after 31st December 2005, the same cannot be said of the security flaws.

Perhaps this fee can be waived and the deadline extended by one year as this will allow the NRD staff to work at a more reasonable pace and reduce the overcrowding at NRD offices.

It will also give time for the NRD to upgrade that chip so that the photo is also embedded and not just pasted on.

One wonders if getting officers to travel all over the world to issue MyKads to overseas Malaysians is a cost-effective solution when the national coffers are empty. But going to detention centers in Malaysia is a good service.

It is also worth noting that not having your MyKad on you is considered a major offence as the law was amended in 2001. The penalty? Up to three years jail or fined between RM3000 and RM20000 or both.

The number of snatch thefts has remained unabated and young teenagers can be quite careless. This probably explains the large numbers of MyKads reported lost or stolen.
Of course some people also sell their MyKads to the syndicates.

Perhaps the law should be reevaluated so that carrying a photo-copy is acceptable and if required, any person without the original MyKad must bring the original card to a police station for verification.

This will drastically reduce the genuine lost or stolen MyKads and the police will also be able to concentrate on those who abuse the system.

Finally, a word of praise for the NRD staff in Johor Baru. My family applied for the MyKad with few hiccups. A small problem was that my wife was designated as “Indian” but the staff realised that it was obviously a mistake and changed it to “Eurasian” after asking her. So I jokingly asked her if I could change my status to “Bumiputera.”