FOR some Kuching residents, getting the new-generation MyKad was less about making a special trip and more about seizing the opportunity when the timing was right.
At the National Registration Department (NRD) office at Bangunan Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang here, members of the public interviewed on the second day (September 18) of issuance had different reasons for replacing their identity cards.
These ranged from a family reminder to simply finding a convenient time to get the process done, with many pleasantly surprised by how quickly the process was completed.
At 84, Kuan Tek Chin decided to replace her MyKad after her son, Jong Nam Ngee, 56, noticed that she was still using an older version of the identity card.
Kuan said her son had not realised how old Kuan’s MyKad was until he came across the news about the replacement requirement.
“He saw the news and found out that we have to replace my IC within three years, otherwise there will be a penalty,” she added.
“That is why we came today to replace it.”
She described her previous MyKad as an old model with only one photograph and without the smaller photograph found on newer versions.
The replacement process, however, turned out to be much quicker than expected.
“I feel the process of replacing my IC was smooth and fast. It was not like before, when things took longer,” Kuan said.
“This time, everything was faster and more organised. Even the counters were full, unlike before when they were often empty. So, I think the process is good now.”
While she was willing to replace her own card, Kuan said her family was not planning to immediately replace the MyKad of her grandchildren studying in Peninsular Malaysia, as their existing cards still had a feature they found useful.
“For the new-generation IC, we are not planning to change theirs for now because the current one is still usable. The old IC also has Touch ‘n Go, which is convenient for my grandchildren in Peninsular Malaysia,” she said.
Meanwhile, for 24-year-old security worker, Stenly Elvy, the new MyKad was something he was keen to receive early.
The Serian resident travelled to Kuching after leaving home at around 7am and also used the opportunity to update his address.
“I feel quite excited to be among the first people to receive the new IC. The process was also very fast. I got my card in about 15 minutes, so I was quite happy about that,” he said.
Stenly, who is of Iban and Bidayuh background, said he was the first in his family to receive the new-generation MyKad and was looking forward to showing it to his family.
“I am confident that the new IC is safe. I feel excited to receive it because I think it will make things easier and more convenient,” he added.
He also hoped the card would eventually offer more functions and make everyday services more convenient.
“Nowadays, a lot of things can be done using cards or QR payments, so hopefully the new IC can also make things more convenient,” he said.
A similar opportunity came to 38-year-old Michael Jerot Henry Ginyo, a clerical assistant from Siburan who works in Satok.
Rather than making a separate trip, Jerot decided to stop at the NRD office after noticing that there were not many people around.
“When I came and saw that there were not many people, I felt it was a good opportunity to get it done without having to wait too long,” he said.
Jerot added that his old MyKad was still usable but he decided to make the switch after hearing about the new version and seeing others change theirs.
“I am really happy that the government has introduced the new IC. I have been hearing and seeing many people talking about it and changing theirs, so when I had the opportunity, I thought I would try it too,” he reiterated.
He said the process was quick and straightforward and that he felt confident about the security of the new card.
The quiet atmosphere also gave 61-year-old cleaner, Nurhayati Pohass, a convenient opportunity to replace her MyKad while she was already at work.
Having worked as a cleaner in the same building since around 2016, Nurhayati said she decided to get the process done after noticing there were fewer people around.
“I thought it would be a good chance to settle my IC quickly. The process today was quite convenient because there were not many people,” she added.
“I did not have to wait too long, and I was able to get it done while I was already here.”
Originally from Kampung Telasi in Sadong Jaya, Simunjan, Nurhayati has lived in the area for many years and her husband has since retired.
“I am also planning to stop working towards the end of this year, so I thought it would also be good to get my IC updated while I had the chance,” she said.
“At least it is one more thing settled before I finish work.”
As for the new-generation MyKad, Nurhayati said she had yet to notice any major differences as she had only just received it.
“I think the added convenience will be good, although I have not really used it yet,” she added.
“So, I am not sure what the differences will be like in my daily life. I suppose I will know more once I start using it.”
