TAWAU: The new MyKad printing machine which was launched at the National Registration Department (NRD) here on 9 December last year has enabled the department to issue a total of 4,426 MyKads over the past one month (up to 9 January, 2014).
Sabah NRD Director Ismail Bin Ahmad announced yesterday that the NRD of Tawau already has its own MyKad printing machine and is able to completely process MyKads within 24 hours instead of the 30 days processing time from Putrajaya.
He said it was great to have the printer launched in Tawau as the applicants especially from Tawau, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu could apply for their MyKads and obtain them the next day.
However, it would still take 30 days of processing time in Putrajaya if the applicants apply for their MyKads at the NRD of Semporna, Kunak or Lahad Datu.
The districts with the new MyKad printing machines in the State are Kota Kinabalu (two machines), Keningau, Sandakan and Tawau. Thus, he strongly urged the Tawau zone community to change their old identity cards to MyKads as soon as possible.
For those aged 12, it is compulsory to apply for MyKad for the first time and replace it once they are between 18 – 25 years old to avoid being fined RM40.
Ismail also disclosed that the NRD aims to process and issue MyKads to applicants within two hours this year if they have back-up staff and more printing machines.
“Besides working in the office, we have a special mobile unit committee going to interior areas, villages and rural areas to help the people with their MyKad application. We are ready to work outbound and assists applicants who are in need. Furthermore, we are also going to schools help pupils process their My12 and My18,” he pointed out.
He added that the Tawau NRD needed a bigger office to provide better service and delivery to the Tawau zone community as the current premises is narrow and can only accomodate 200 people.
He also advised MyKad holders to take good care of their cards to avoid losing them. The government imposes a penalty of RM100 to those who have lost their MyKad for the first time, RM200 for the second time and RM300 for the third time.
Also present was Tawau NRD Director Saiful Bahari.