How to Check If Your MyKad Still Works to Fully Claim the RM100 SARA Aid, According to JPN
The Prime Minister’s announcement about the RM100 SARA cash aid is a timely reminder for us to check if our MyKads are still fully functional. If you intend to utilize the one-off aid, the National Registration Department (JPN) has released a guide on how to verify whether your MyKad is working—without needing to visit JPN counters.
If your MyKad has chip defects, there’s no need to worry, as replacing your MyKad is straightforward (a guide for that is included below).
Check If Your MyKad Needs Replacing
According to JPN, some telltale signs of a defective MyKad include:
- your MyKad cannot be scanned at machines or self-service kiosks
- banks or government agencies cannot detect your card’s data
- you find yourself repeatedly needing to rescan your MyKad (a sign of a deteriorating chip)
- your MyKad is scratched, cracked, or bent (physical damage that could affect the chip)
- your MyKad is more than 10 years old (increased risk of wear and tear on the chip)
How to Replace Your MyKad
If the signs above match your experience, it’s time to consider a MyKad replacement. To do this, simply visit any JPN branch nationwide. Here’s a full list of JPN branches in every state in Malaysia.
Once there, take a queue number under the ‘ROSAK’ category. When it’s your turn, hand in your old MyKad and provide your personal details. Your new MyKad will cost only RM10; however, if your current MyKad was issued within the last 12 months, the replacement will be free.
One thing to note: the processing time for your new MyKad may vary by branch. If you replace your MyKad at JPN’s headquarters in Putrajaya, JPN branches at UTCs, or selected branches, you could receive your new MyKad in as little as 30 minutes.
Other JPN branches may take up to five working days, while branches in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan may require up to seven working days.
How to Take Care of Your MyKad
JPN has also shared some tips on how citizens can take care of their MyKad. These include keeping it in a card holder and avoiding bending, folding, or scratching the card to prevent chip damage. Additionally, citizens should avoid placing their MyKad in the washing machine and should keep it away from magnets and high temperatures.
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