Malaysian identity card
The Malaysian identity card (Malay: kad pengenalan Malaysia) is the compulsory identity card for Malaysian citizens aged 12 and above. The current identity card, known as MyKad, was introduced by the National Registration Department of Malaysia on 5 September 2001 as one of four MSC Malaysia flagship applications and a replacement for the High Quality Identity Card (Kad Pengenalan Bermutu Tinggi), Malaysia became the first country in the world to use an identification card that incorporates both photo identification and fingerprint biometric data on an in-built computer chip embedded in a piece of plastic. The main purpose of the card as a validation tool and proof of citizenship other than the birth certificate, MyKad may also serve as a valid driver's license, an ATM card, an electronic purse, and a public key, among other applications, as part of the Malaysian Government Multipurpose Card (GMPC) initiative, if the bearer chooses to activate the functions.
| Malaysian Identity Card Kad Pengenalan Malaysia | |
|---|---|
| Type | Identity card |
| Issued by | National Registration Department of Malaysia, Ministry of Home Affairs |
| First issued | 1948 2001 (MyKad) |
| Purpose | Identification, military identification (MyTentera), proof of residence (MyPR and MyKAS), proof of citizenship (MyKad) |
| Valid in | Malaysia |
| Eligibility | Malaysian citizenship, and age 12+ |
| Expiration | Renewed in between ages 18 to 25 |
| Cost | MyKad and MyTentera: RM10 application fee and in case of damage, RM100 to RM1000 in case of loss MyPR and MyKAS: RM40 application fee and in case of damage, RM100 to RM1000 in case of loss |
Other cards which are currently in use or soon to be introduced in the GMPC initiative and share similar features are:
- MyKid – for Malaysian citizens under age of 12 including newborns (non-compulsory);
- MyPR – for Malaysian Permanent Residents;
- MyTentera – for Malaysian Armed Forces personnel;