Sandakan: Holders of MyKad that are still in good condition and functioning properly are advised to defer upgrading to the new-generation MyKad at the Sandakan National Registration Department (JPN) office for now, as priority is being given to replacing problematic identity cards.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sandakan JPN office head Rommel Dela Cruz stated that priority was currently given to replacing identity cards that were physically damaged, lost, or had faulty chips, as well as applications involving changes of address. Rommel emphasized that "priority for upgrading to the new-generation MyKad is currently reserved for replacing identity cards that are physically damaged, lost or have faulty chips, as well as for changes of address." He also advised customers that only problematic identity cards need to be replaced at this time.
The measure is intended to ensure that customers who genuinely need MyKad replacements are prioritised and that their applications can be processed smoothly. Rommel further added that priority for the new-generation MyKad, which does not feature a 'ghost image', was also being given to holders of older versions, namely the Plastic Identity Card (KPP) and High-Quality Identity Card (KPT).
Staff at the queue-number counter are conducting initial screenings to ensure that only applications meeting the requirements proceed to the service counters. Meanwhile, Jumatiah Ismail, 38, described the decision to prioritise the replacement of problematic MyKads over upgrading to the new-generation card as reasonable. She noted that those with damaged or malfunctioning identity cards had a more urgent need for replacements compared with holders of MyKads that were still usable.
"In my opinion, it is indeed appropriate to prioritise damaged cards first because those holders really need to replace them. If the card is still in good condition and usable, you can wait for a while," she said. Jumatiah, who was at the Sandakan JPN office to replace her damaged identity card, was accompanied by her 19-year-old daughter, Nuraisya Raylen, who also needed to replace her card after turning 18.