MyKad Printing Disruptions Expected Until Sept 7
The National Registration Department (JPN) has announced disruptions to the printing of the MyKad, Malaysia's compulsory national identity card, as it transitions from the existing structure to the new-generation version. The MyKad, which serves as the primary official identification for Malaysian citizens and permanent residents, is undergoing a generational upgrade to enhance security and functionality. The current disruptions affect both new applications and conversions from the MyKid child identity card, requiring citizens to postpone non-urgent transactions until at least 7 September.
Key Facts
The following data points are derived exclusively from the official JPN announcement and prior departmental statements referenced in the source material.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Printing disruption period | Ends 7 September |
| Standard replacement processing fee | RM10 |
| Cost per next-generation MyKad to government | RM40 under current procurement model |
| Supply contract value | RM732.72 million over six years |
| Age for MyKid to MyKad conversion | 12 years old |
| Priority holders for new generation | Legacy identity cards (KPP, KPT, first-generation MyKad without ghost image) |
When Will MyKad Printing Services Resume Normally?
MyKad printing services are expected to resume normal operations after 7 September, according to the National Registration Department. JPN officially announced that disruptions will last through this date, advising citizens to postpone identity card applications and replacements until the transition period concludes.
During this transitional period, the department specifically requested that parents and guardians of children reaching the age of 12 hold off on converting MyKid cards to MyKad. This strategic deferral ensures that children will receive the new-generation MyKad once it becomes available, rather than receiving the existing structure version during the disruption window.
JPN stated that the printing disruptions from the existing structure to the MyKad Generasi Baharu are expected to last until 7 September, with citizens advised to postpone all applications.
Will the New MyKad Replacement Cost Differ from the Current Fee?
The replacement cost for the new-generation MyKad remains unchanged at RM10 for standard applications. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed in June that the fee structure for MyKad applications and replacements will stay the same even with the introduction of the new version.
The minister clarified that individuals who have not repeatedly lost their identity card will pay the standard RM10 processing fee. He also disclosed that each next-generation MyKad costs the government RM40 under the current procurement model, with the total supply contract valued at RM732.72 million over six years, indicating the government absorbs the majority of production costs.
"JPN appreciates the public's patience and cooperation throughout this transitional period, and apologises for any inconvenience caused."
— National Registration Department (JPN) official statement
The standard RM10 processing fee for MyKad replacements remains unchanged with the new-generation version, as confirmed by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail in June.
Who Should Prioritise Getting the New MyKad?
Priority for the new-generation MyKad is extended exclusively to Malaysians still holding legacy versions of the national identity card. According to JPN's May announcement, citizens holding the current MyKad structure do not need to rush for replacement, as existing cards remain valid for all official transactions.
The legacy identity cards qualifying for priority replacement include the Plastic Identity Card (KPP), the High Quality Identity Card (KPT), and the very first generation MyKad, which notably lacks the ghost image security element. These older versions lack the enhanced security features of the current structure and require prioritised migration to the new-generation format.
Only Malaysians holding legacy identity cards—KPP, KPT, or first-generation MyKad without ghost image security—qualify for priority replacement under JPN's new-generation transition plan.
Who Is This For?
This announcement directly affects Malaysian citizens planning new MyKad applications, individuals requiring replacement identity cards, and parents of children who have attained the age of 12. The disruption notice also informs Malaysians still using legacy identity card versions who may be anticipating the new-generation card.
Foreign nationals and non-citizens are unaffected by this disruption, as the MyKad is issued exclusively to Malaysian citizens. However, those with scheduled appointments for identity-related services should verify appointment status with JPN and consider rescheduling until after 7 September, particularly for MyKid to MyKad conversions where waiting will result in receiving the new-generation version.
Common Questions
Should I postpone my MyKad application if it is urgent?
Yes. JPN recommends postponing all MyKad printing applications until after 7 September. For urgent requirements, no alternative process was outlined in the announcement, so planning around the disruption period is necessary.
What security feature distinguishes the first-generation MyKad from newer versions?
The very first generation MyKad lacks the ghost image security element, which is why JPN has designated these cards as priority candidates for new-generation replacement. The ghost image serves as a visual anti-counterfeiting feature that was absent from initial production runs.
Will parents receive both MyKid and MyKad for their 12-year-old children during this period?
No. JPN specifically requests that parents delay converting MyKid to MyKad during the disruption period. Waiting ensures children receive the new-generation MyKad when available, avoiding issuance of the existing structure version.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based exclusively on the official announcement from the National Registration Department (JPN) via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, referenced on 1 September 2026, and the original reporting published by Lowyat.NET. Additional factual context regarding replacement fees and cost structures was derived from the June announcement by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, as covered in prior Lowyat.NET reporting.
Primary source: JPN / X official announcement, https://x.com/jpnhqofficial/status/2094577180957364457. Original article: Lowyat.NET, MyKad Printing Services Face Disruptions; Expected To Last Until 7 September, https://www.lowyat.net/2026/402773/mykad-printing-disruptions-until-7-sept/. No currency conversions were required as all figures remain in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). This article was last updated on 24 March 2025.