AN MCA Youth leader has questioned the necessity of replacing the current MyKad, expressing concern for the cost for this replacement as well as additional system upgrade fees.
MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung was responding to Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah’s announcement at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday (Nov 20) regarding an upgraded version of the MyKad which is expected to roll out soon.
According to Saw, the government’s plan to spend billions of ringgit to replace the national identification card raises some concerns.
“On one hand, the government is projecting frugality by forgoing salaries, while on the other, engaging in questionable expenditures such as the PADU system development, a system that has shifted from a projected RM85 mil to RM35 mil,” she stated.
“Why is it necessary to replace the current MyKad? Are there significant security vulnerabilities that make replacement unavoidable? Not only that, what costs will individuals incur for this replacement?
“Will there be additional system upgrade fees? There is also the question of whether there will truly be personal data protection after this costly implementation.”
Saw said no matter how advanced a piece of technology is, they remain susceptible to breaches especially if enforcement criteria remain weak.
“Unless the new MyKad serves as a truly multifunctional card – integrating features such as bank, ATM, and medical cards, thereby effectively consolidating multiple databases – the replacement lacks compelling justification,” she stressed.
“Should the new MyKad can function as a multi-purpose card, can the government guarantee the protection of personal data? The PADU case is a stark reminder of how fragile our data security is. Has the government taken measures to improve this situation?”
Saw said rather than undertaking a massive MyKad replacement exercise, national priorities should focus on strengthening cybersecurity and addressing urgent systemic reforms.
“Issues like stateless children and citizenship rights, for example, are far more pressing matters for the Home Ministry to address,” she added.
Shamsul Anuar told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that the new MyKad to be issued by the National Registration Department (JPN) will be enhanced with the latest security technology, with laser engraving and holograms to keep with latest security developments internationally.
He said after the new MyKad is issued, the existing version will be phased out due to its obsolete security features.
The ministry, through JPN, was conducting a market study to ensure the new MyKad offered value for money with the production cost not burdening the government, he added. – Nov 21, 2024
Main image: Amanz
