KENINGAU: The district National Registration Department (NRD) can now process MyKad within 24 hours for new and replacement applications, director Ismail Ahmad said yesterday.
“MyKad can now be completed within 24 hours, either for new applications or replacing the old card,” he said at a news conference at the Federal House Operations Room here.
He said this system had been operational in Keningau NRD since October 21 last year and only officially launched today (yesterday).
According to him, Keningau is the fifth NRD practising this system after the head office and UTC in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Sandakan.
“Since operation last October, a total of 7,973 people had replaced MyKad and applied for new MyKad. This means that an average of between 120 to 200 people a day are coming to apply or replace their MyKad.
Previously, the people had to wait up to 30 days for their MyKad, but now they would be ready within only 24 hours, he said.
“People are also required to renew their old MyKad as the new ones have more advanced security features that may not be copied, or faked.
Ismail also advised the people to always keep their MyKad from falling into the hands of unscrupulous people, including foreigners.
He said if a MyKad is lost, they should report it to the police for a new replacement.
Ismail urged residents of the state, including this district, to replace the old MyKad to the new ones and not to wait any longer.
Those who have completed 12 years of age, must apply for their MyKad as their legal document, he said
When answering a question, Ismail said if they lost the MyKad, the owner shall be liable to pay a fine in place of the new MyKad.
“Losing the first time, the owner is liable to pay RM100; they are charged RM200 for the second loss, and RM300 for the third loss.
He also said there was no time limit to renew their MyKad but the earlier they do so (renewal of card), the better.
Ismail also asked them to apply for the MyKad at age 12, and are required to renew their card after the age of 18, and after 25 years, due to the change in image during childhood.
He also advised parents to be aware and concerned about their child’s birth certificate which is an important document.
“Once a child is born, parents should apply for a birth certificate within 42 days — not later than that period. If after the period, the child will be registered as ‘late registration’ and if this is the case, any application documents should be approved and endorsed by the court.
“Delaying the application of a birth certificate will disrupt the child’s schooling, and the problem of a lack of a birth certificate is a lot in this state,” he said.
Ismail said the NRD had also established a special mobile unit to assist rural residents in the processing of birth certificates and identity cards.
“This year, the State Department of Education has set up a special task force in which the NRD is among the members of this team.
“The NRD will come to schools to enroll students who do not have birth certificates and identity cards,” he said.
In addition to schools, he said a special mobile unit would go to villages to help people not in possession of documents, like birth certificates and MyKad to register, in collaboration with members of parliament and members of the legislative assembly in the areas concerned.
“Officers and employees of NRD will also go to tamu grounds to provide opportunities to all Malaysians who do not have documents, to register.
At the event, Ismail also presented new MyKad replacements that were completed in three hours, to five applicants.
Also present at the press conference were Kota Kinabalu NRD officer Abdullah Hadie, Keningau NRD officer Asniah Guriaman and NRD staff.