New MyKad will not affect SARA aid balance or gov’t subsidy eligibility

Intan Syerina Ahmad Nizam showing the new MyKad obtained from the National Registration Department on Sept 17, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 17: The replacement of existing MyKad cards with the new-generation version will not affect recipients’ balance or eligibility under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, the National Registration Department (NRD) said.

The new-generation MyKad remains Malaysia’s official identity document and can continue to be used for government aid and subsidy programmes that require the card for verification or redemption, subject to the eligibility criteria set by the respective agencies.

Identity Card Division director Muhammad Asraf Sukadi said the public need not worry that the introduction of the new-generation MyKad would result in their government aid or subsidies being discontinued.

“The NRD is working closely with the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the continuity of services and assistance for eligible recipients,” he said in a statement today.

He said SARA balances and eligibility were not stored on the MyKad itself, but recorded in the SARA system.

“The MyKad serves as a means of verifying recipients and making purchases of essential goods at participating shops and supermarkets,” he said.

Muhammad Asraf said existing MyKad holders were not required to replace their cards unless their current cards were damaged.

However, holders of the Plastic Identity Card (KPP), High-Quality Identity Card (KPT) and MyKad without a ghost image are required to replace their cards with the new-generation MyKad.

He said the implementation of the new-generation MyKad had taken into account the requirements of systems and services that use the identity card.

“Adjustments will be made in stages with the relevant parties to ensure that public services continue to run smoothly,” he said.

Applications for the new-generation MyKad can be made from today at 40 NRD branches equipped with printing facilities, with cards available for collection on the same day.

At NRD branches without printing facilities, the cards will be ready within five working days.

The new-generation MyKad features enhanced security measures, including a dynamic security hologram and transparent window on the front, as well as an enforcement QR code and dual-interface chip on the back. — Bernama