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Showing posts with label Security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Security. Show all posts

Thursday, 21 August 2025

Chronicling evolution of MyKad since 2001: MyKad – Shaping the future of Malaysia’s digital citizens

 

Badrul Hisham showing old identity cards on display at NRD.

rds on display at NRD.

With a single card, individuals can confirm their Malaysian citizenship and seamlessly handle daily tasks such as paying toll, using public transport and buying essentials.

Efficient and convenient – that’s how several users describe their experience using MyKad in daily life.

Some are even updating their MyKad to ensure they have access to the one-off RM100 cash aid given out by the government for the purchase of essentials from Aug 31 in conjunction with National Day.

The identity card of Malaysia’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj on display at the NRD museum. (Right) Badrul Hisham showing old identity cards.The identity card of Malaysia’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj on display at the NRD museum. (Right) Badrul Hisham showing old identity cards.

“I don’t need to carry multiple cards in my wallet.

“MyKad is enough,” said trader Roslina Daud, who uses it as an alternative Touch ‘n Go (TNG) payment method for tolls and parking fees.

Private sector worker Maisara Abdul, who uses public transport to commute to work, said the My50 pass integrated with MyKad was convenient as she no longer needed to carry multiple travel passes for different modes of transport.

Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid recipient Rohani Abdullah welcomed the use of MyKad as a payment method for basic necessities, saying it helps reduce the risk of loss or theft.

“With MyKad, Sara recipients like me do not need to queue at banks or automated teller machines (ATMs) to withdraw money.

“We can go directly to the supermarket, pick up essential items and pay using MyKad,” she said.

History of MyKad

MyKad, or Government Multipurpose Identity Card, was introduced in 2001.

New MyKad waiting to be collected at NRD Putrajaya. — FilepicNew MyKad waiting to be collected at NRD Putrajaya. — Filepic

Its goal was to modernise the national identity system, enhance identity security and offer a digital platform that integrates multiple applications into a single card.

Commenting on MyKad’s evolution over more than two decades, National Registration Department (NRD) director-general Badrul Hisham Alias said four versions had been introduced, with the latest launched in 2012.

However, the department is now in the final phase of developing a new MyKad version with enhanced security features.

“The first version used plastic before being upgraded to Polikad 2.0, followed by the current version, which includes additional features like a ‘ghost image’ to improve security.

“Overall, MyKad underwent major changes in 2012 to keep up with technological developments, including design, security features and chip technology,” he said in an interview with Bernama.

Explaining the meaning behind the term “MyKad”, he said “My” referred to Malaysia, while “Kad” meant identification card – its main function being to identify all Malaysian citizens.

“MyKad is the continuation of the country’s identity document (ID) system, which started with paper cards (1948-1960), then blue plastic ID cards (1960-1990), followed by the hibiscus cards (high-quality IDs from 1990-2001) and now, the modern MyKad,” he said.

Although not fully digital, MyKad is designed to support various government transactions and services by integrating digital applications like driving licences, international passport information, basic health data and e-wallets.

“MyKad is widely used in Malaysia’s public healthcare sector, especially for managing medical records, vaccinations and access to public hospital services through identity verification.

The country’s ID system started with paper cards (1948-1960). — Photos: BernamaThe country’s ID system started with paper cards (1948-1960). — Photos: Bernama

“We have also collaborated with agencies like Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to improve the effectiveness of financial aid delivery,” he said.

Security features

On public concerns about MyKad’s security, especially if it becomes more widely used, Badrul Hisham said the latest card version contained a chip with built-in security features.

“This chip can only be read, written and recorded by NRD’s approved systems.

“While the chip is also used in other industries, its usage in MyKad is tightly controlled,” he explained.

Visible security features include the “ghost image” using laser engraving technology and enhanced smart chip capacity.

While chip card readers are widely available in the market, only NRD-approved devices can access MyKad data.

Badrul Hisham said data sharing with other agencies like LHDN, Road Transport Department (JPJ), police, Health Ministry and others was conducted securely under a “whole-of-government” approach.

While chip card readers are widely available in the market, only NRD-approved devices can access MyKad data. — FilepicWhile chip card readers are widely available in the market, only NRD-approved devices can access MyKad data. — Filepic

He noted that the MyKad chip was equipped with security keys to prevent unauthorised data access or misuse.

“MyKad data can only be accurately accessed using card readers programmed with specific command sets supplied by certified vendors.

“Fingerprint data is encrypted and requires matching keys for access.

“Any information update can only be done at NRD counters through a card replacement process,” he explained.

Badrul Hisham added that data sharing was regulated and must be approved by the NRD director-general.

“This sharing is only allowed for specific purposes, like improving public services, policy development or research – all while ensuring data confidentiality and security,” he said.

Regarding the risk of MyKad forgery or data cloning, he said the card was designed according to international standards and was very difficult to forge.

“Security features exist on multiple layers of the card, with some requiring special tools for verification.

“This makes MyKad, especially the chip, very hard to counterfeit,” he said.

Role in aid

Currently, MyKad is used to distribute financial aid such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sara and eKasih.

Sara, for example, involves 5.4 million recipients using aid from the Finance Ministry to purchase items from 14 categories at participating outlets.

On the perception that Sara funds are “loaded” into MyKad, Badrul Hisham clarified that no money was credited to the card itself.

Instead, recipients’ data is accessed through the store’s system during transactions.

“At participating stores, simply present your MyKad.

“Once your ID number is entered, your name will appear and you can shop based on your allocated aid amount,” he said, adding that the system also showed the remaining balance.

“For the RM100 Sara aid announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, recipients only need to present their MyKad to the cashier for identity verification,” he said.

Badrul Hisham stressed that the aid redemption could not be delegated to another individual.

“It is important to remember that MyKad cannot be held or used by others, including family members, in accordance with Regulation 25(1)(e) of the National Registration Regulations 1990,” he said.

Violators may face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to RM20,000, or both.

Badrul Hisham acknowledged that NRD’s initial goal to make MyKad a multi-purpose platform had yet to be fully realised, despite it being in place for 24 years.

Interest from government agencies in using MyKad as a core service delivery platform has also waned.

He said the latest MyKad version could support digital applications for payments, health records and banking, because of its increased chip capacity – 124KB or 128KB compared to the previous 84KB.

“But many agencies have stopped using MyKad in their systems – like JPJ.

“Otherwise, we would not need to carry a physical driver’s licence; MyKad would suffice.”

Physical vs digital

Commenting on MyDigital ID and MyKad, Badrul Hisham said the physical MyKad was governed by the National Registration Act 1959 and would remain relevant despite MyDigital ID implementation.

NRD is committed to ensuring MyKad remains a robust and relevant identity document, aligned with technological progress and public needs, he said.

In the future, he added, MyKad would not only serve as a physical ID, but also as a key to Malaysia’s digital ecosystem, integrating government, financial, healthcare and social services into one secure, efficient and accessible platform.

“Even in other countries with digital systems, physical ID cards still play a role.

“Our goal is to provide fully end-to-end services, including digital services.”

To support this, NRD is in the process of amending the National Registration Act to enable digital applications via MyKad.

Dr Umi Hamidaton Mohd Soffian Lee, a senior lecturer from the Economics and Muamalat Faculty at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) said MyKad remained crucial in the distribution of aid and subsidies.

“MyKad serves as an integrated database, enabling the government to identify target groups for aid distribution and targeted subsidies based on the profile contained in the MyKad, which includes information such as individual and household income, records of government aid received such as STR and Sara, and number of dependants,” she said.

Citing the example of implementing targeted subsidies for petrol, she said using MyKad was more efficient as the card’s security features could prevent duplication.

“However, if the government intends to implement targeted petrol subsidies via MyKad scanning in the future, it is advisable to first enhance information and digital technology infrastructure in rural areas,” she said.

Umi Hamidaton also recommended that the quality of MyKad continue to be improved, noting that incidents still occurred where the security chip could not be read and the card itself broke easily.

Blockchain enhancement

Blockchain technology can improve MyKad’s security and transparency by storing data in immutable digital ledgers, enabling full audit trails for each access and using cryptography for secure identity verification.

Dr Nor Alina Ismail, Data Science and Computing Faculty head at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), said blockchain could ensure better data integrity through permanent records, cryptography and transparent verification across networks – making manipulation or hacking very difficult.

“Unlike centralised systems that are vulnerable to breaches and data loss, blockchain offers distributed storage and real-time audit trails, ideal for sensitive data like health records and digital identity if combined with strong privacy protection mechanisms,” she explained.

She said MyKad could be enhanced into a digital identity wallet through blockchain, integrating personal data like e-wallets, digital certificates, driving licences, health records and ID data securely in a single chain of identity.

She added that zero-knowledge proofs could allow verification of status – such as citizenship or age – without disclosing the full data, improving privacy.

The technology also enables cross-sector use (government, banking, healthcare, education and transport) through shared ledgers and automated smart contract verification.

“For instance, when applying for a bank loan, the bank can verify ID through NRD and employment status via EPF or LHDN without needing physical documents.

“This access can also be restricted via permissioned blockchain and logged for auditing, making processes more efficient and less prone to fraud while giving users full control,” she said.

However, for full implementation, a legal framework, stable digital infrastructure and strong privacy protection are required.

Anticipating that MyKad will evolve into a fully digital identity system within five to 10 years, Nor Alina said Malaysia could emulate countries like Estonia, which had a comprehensive digital identity system.

But, she acknowledged that building a blockchain-based MyKad system would require large government investment in technology, digital infrastructure upgrades, long-term maintenance and training.

“The main challenge is the high initial cost due to upgrading current systems, bridging the digital divide, enhancing existing laws, drafting new ones and developing a comprehensive cybersecurity policy,” she said.

“However, this transformation depends on the readiness of digital infrastructure, the legal framework, public technological literacy and data security assurance.

“Therefore, in this decade, we may see a hybrid approach, where MyKad exists in both physical and digital forms before fully transitioning to a blockchain-based digital identity once the nation’s technological and legal ecosystem is truly ready,” added Nor Alina.

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Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Why the cooperative spirit of ‘greater BRICS’ resonates worldwide



The 17th BRICS Summit is being held from July 6 to 7 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This marks the first high-profile gathering of the "greater BRICS family" in its new "11+10" format - comprising 11 member countries and 10 partner countries - following Indonesia's official entry into the BRICS cooperation mechanism in January and Vietnam's official joining as a BRICS partner country in June. The summit is themed "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance." As the host country, Brazil has outlined three key priorities for the meeting: deepening cooperation in public health, promoting a unified stance on climate change, and establishing mechanisms to facilitate trade and investment among member states.


On the eve of the summit, Colombia and Uzbekistan formally joined the New Development Bank as full members. Today, the BRICS family represents over half of the world's population, accounts for one-fifth of global trade, and contributes nearly 30 percent of global GDP. This remarkable momentum is no accident - it reflects the growing appeal of the "BRICS spirit" of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation. According to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in 2024, BRICS collectively reached 4 percent GDP growth, significantly outpacing the global average. This demonstrates that the "greater BRICS" has become a "southern engine" that continuously fuels global development.

According to some foreign media outlets, this year's summit will discuss important topics, including the establishment of a new guarantee fund and the "Tropical Forests Forever Facility," and will voice collective positions on IMF reform. As the world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, characterized by rising unilateralism and protectionism, and some major powers increasingly disengaging from international governance, BRICS remains steadfast in its original aspiration, focusing squarely on cooperation and development. All its agendas and agreements are being gradually implemented, turning words on paper into real development outcomes. As of 2024, the BRICS New Development Bank has approved 120 projects worth a total of $39 billion, covering key sectors such as transport infrastructure, clean energy, healthcare, and social development. As the "vanguard of the Global South," the "greater BRICS" governance proposals are receiving global attention, and the world is looking to the "greater BRICS" for wisdom and contributions.

The growing influence of the "Greater BRICS" is evident in Western reporting. From the very start, the Rio BRICS Summit has become a focal point of global attention. Reuters noted that the expansion of the "Greater BRICS" "has added diplomatic weight to the gathering" and the bloc is presented "as a defender of multilateralism in an increasingly fractured world." The New York Times focused on the new role of "BRICS" in global governance, emphasizing its ambition to "rebalance global power dynamics." Although some media outlets maintain a "critical" and "skeptical" attitude toward the BRICS Summit, the inherent "traffic appeal" of the Rio Summit is enough to reflect the international community's attention to and recognition of BRICS.

The BRICS countries differ in terms of historical culture, political systems, economic size, and development levels, and there are differences between overall interests and individual interests. However, this precisely reflects the valuable inclusiveness and complementarity of the BRICS mechanism. BRICS cooperation is a systematic collaboration of the Global South; it is both comprehensive cooperation and open-door cooperation. It embodies the voices of the Global South, providing more development opportunities and equal rights for countries in the Global South, and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world as well as a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. This not only aligns with the interests of the Global South but also contributes to the common good of the world.

From promoting the establishment of the New Development Bank to advocating for the "BRICS+" cooperation model; from articulating the "four major partnerships" among BRICS countries to building new industrial revolution partnerships within BRICS, China's contributions to the BRICS mechanism are evident. According to the "Hand in Hand: China-LAC Mutual Perception Survey," released by the Global Times Institute during the "Global Times' Overseas China Week and Global South Dialogue" series of events held in Latin America in late June, a majority of respondents from six Latin American countries believe that the BRICS can represent the Global South to voice its concerns on the international stage. Furthermore, 93 percent of Latin American respondents believe that China has brought opportunities for development to the region, and 84 percent recognize China's development prospects. Through its own actions, China has built a bridge of hope for common development, making the gears of "greater BRICS" cooperation operate more smoothly.

IIn the face of the ever-changing international landscape, BRICS countries have demonstrated strong cohesion and action, providing a "BRICS answer" to the changes unseen in a century, which enhances the credibility of BRICS. The Rio Summit will mark a new starting point. Looking ahead, BRICS countries will continue to uphold the "BRICS spirit," deepen cooperation in various fields, promote reforms in the global governance system, and make greater contributions to world peace and development.- Global Times

Related:

BRICS: not against anything, but for development, fairness and Global South

BRICS is not “against” anything; it is “for”: for the development, for a fairer world order, and a larger role for the Global South. It concentrates on specific development problems, which makes BRICS very attractive to other developing


Saturday, 5 July 2025

Online scams becoming ‘silent killers’, police say

 

ACP Abdul Rozak (centre) launching the poster. With him are Teoh (right) and Hoe. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

THE growing menace of online scams have become impossible to ignore, with police describing them as “silent killers”, where the crimes not only drain victims financially but also leave lasting emotional scars and shatter livelihoods.

Investigation officer Inspector Muhammad Hyzreen Mohd Zain said such scams could wipe out victims’ savings and “subsequently destroy their lives.”

“Scams don’t just take your money, they destroy futures. They’re silent killers,” he said during his speech at Scam Awareness Talk + Say No to Scam campaign held at a mall in Farlim, Air Itam, Penang.

He said such crimes could also tarnish the reputation of enforcement agencies and erode public trust when victims mistakenly believe authorities failed to act.

He urged the public to practise digital vigilance to prevent falling prey to such schemes.

Insp Muhammad Hyzreen urges the public to practise digital vigilance.Insp Muhammad Hyzreen urges the public to practise digital vigilance.

Insp Muhammad Hyzreen stressed that many victims unknowingly allow scammers access to their financial information simply by downloading suspicious apps or clicking unverified links.

He advised the public to avoid sharing personal or banking information over the phone, even if the caller claimed to be from a government agency or financial institution.

He said scammers would often impersonate officials to gain trust and extract confidential data.

Insp Muhammad Hyzreen also reminded attendees to be wary of investment offers that promise unusually high returns.

“Always verify with Bank Negara or official sources before committing to any investment platform,” he said.

He encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity immediately to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997, or contact the nearest police station for guidance.

The talk, organised as part of the campaign, aimed to educate the public on emerging fraud tactics and reinforce the importance of community vigilance in combating financial crime.

Organised by 30 Lions Clubs from Penang with collaboration from police, the event also saw the launch of the Call 997 poster.

Event organising chairman Teoh Shaw Jhee said the club had printed 2,000 copies of A2 posters which will be put up around Penang.

“The posters will be placed in public areas such as markets, schools, malls and high-rise buildings,” Teoh said in his speech.

Teoh said cyber and financial scam cases were now a threat to the public, and as such, it was important to raise awareness.

He said Lions Clubs could help police raise awareness of scams.

He said the posters was also to inform and educate the public on who to call if they faced the threat of scams in their daily life.

“Awareness is our first line of defence, calling 997 is the right way when you risk being scammed,” he added.

Present during the programme were George Town OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Rozak Muhammad, his deputy Supt Lee Swee Sake and District Governor Lions 308 B2 Don Hoe.

ACP Abdul Rozak, who launched the poster, praised Lions Clubs for organising the event and described the initiative as a noble effort.

“While we remain fully committed to combating corruption, success requires the collective support and cooperation of all stakeholders,” he said in his speech.

He advised the public not to be easily misled or duped by attractive offers from unknown individuals online.

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Thursday, 5 June 2025

Surge in Covid-19 cases recorded, Asia registers Covid-19 spike



  Virus making a comeback in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and US, Indonesia, Malaysia


PETALING JAYA: As society becomes more relaxed about the perceived threat of Covid-19, the coronavirus has started to resurge in many countries, leading to an increase in reported cases.

Between May 25 and 30, Thailand reported 65,880 new Covid-19 cases with three fatalities.

Indonesia’s Health Ministry issued a public health advisory following a resurgence of cases in several Asian countries. It urged citizens to remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures.

Both Hong Kong and the United States have reported an uptick in Covid-19 cases linked to the NB.1.8.1 variant.

ALSO READ: Covid-19: Health Ministry monitoring situation closely

Singapore reported over 14,000 cases between Apr 27 and May 3.

In Malaysia, the Health Ministry said an average of 600 cases were reported each week between Apr 14 and May 10. Malaysia reported over 11,000 cases between Jan 1 and May 10. These are the last available numbers released by the ministry.

Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s professor of Public Health Medicine, said people have become lax as Covid-19 is no longer seen as a major threat now. People should be aware of the mutation of the virus and the new variants that would appear, she added.

“The most recent designated variant under monitoring (VUM) is NB.1.8.1, and it is considered highly transmissible but does not indicate higher virulence, or risk of hospitalisation or deaths. It has been stated that the current vaccine’s coverage also covers the current strain and those at high risk such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with high comorbidity need to be vigilant,” she added.

ALSO READ: Remembering war-like Covid-19 pandemic

She said high-risk groups should wear a mask when they are outdoors or if they develop symptoms. Those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) should not miss their medication schedule.

“If you have Covid-19-like symptoms, it could also be adenovirus (usually mild), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and/or influenza,” she said.

This can be determined by testing for Covid-19, or by visiting your healthcare provider for treatment and admission if necessary. “The symptoms may mimic each other, or you can catch two diseases at the same time which is rare, but can occur,” she added.

She said this new variant seems to cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache and gastrointestinal distress.

“Besides antigen testing, you may need to get a chest X-ray and blood test for confirmation to rule out pneumonia. Covid generally presents as non threatening symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and no need to follow up with MySejahtera app (like before),” she said.

Former Health Ministry official and public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the rise in cases could be due to decreasing immunity either from natural infection or immunisation and people no longer observing precautionary measures like before.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on May 28 that since February, global SARS-CoV-2 activity has been on the rise, with the test positivity rate reaching 11% - levels that have not been observed since July 2024.

“This rise is primarily observed in countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions. Since early 2025, global SARS-CoV-2 variant trends have slightly shifted. Circulation of LP.8.1 has been declining, and reporting of NB.1.8.1, a VUM, is increasing, reaching 10.7% of global sequences reported as of mid-May.”

Recent increases in SARS-CoV-2 activity are broadly consistent with levels observed during the same period last year.

However, there still lacks a clear seasonality in SARS-CoV-2 circulation, and surveillance is limited, it said.

WHO also advised all member states to continue monitoring and applying a risk-based and integrated approach to managing Covid-19.

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Asia registers Covid-19 spike


Healthcare facilities in Indonesia instructed to prepare for rising cases

The country’s health ministry has urged healthcare facilities to stay alert and increase surveillance of Covid-19 amid a surge in cases caused by a more transmissible but less deadly Omicron sub-variant in several countries across Asia.

health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin met with President Prabowo Subianto to discuss the rising number of Covid-19 cases across Asia on June 3.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said that “cases are indeed increasing, but the rise is caused by variants that are relatively less deadly”.

his statement came after his ministry issued a circular last week to warn healthcare facilities to stay alert after a rising Covid-19 trend in Thailand, hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, largely driven by the more transmissible but less severe Omicron subvariant JN.1.

The circular instructed regional health agencies, hospitals, community health centres (Puskesmas) and other health service facilities across the country to monitor case trends through routine surveillance, report any unusual occurrences and raise public awareness about the need for vigilance.

According to the latest data from the health Ministry on June 3, Indonesia reported seven confirmed cases last week with the positive rate declining to 2.05% from a peak of 3.62% the previous week.

Dicky Budiman, an epidemiologist at Griffith University in Australia, said the warning should be taken seriously by the broader public.

“This is a good measure as an early warning to create awareness,” he told The Jakarta Post on June 3.

he said while it would no longer become a pandemic since mass vaccination has built herd immunity among the Indonesian population, he urged people to maintain caution.

“We must maintain the clean and healthy habits that were developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as regularly wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining physical distance, adopting a healthy lifestyle and ensuring proper air circulation.”

Dr Dicky also suggested that the government heighten its alert systems, especially in vulnerable areas with large elderly populations.

Dr Masdalina Pane of the Indonesian epidemiologists Association (PAEI) predicted that the newest sub-variant JN.1 has likely already entered Indonesia, but the surveillance system has been unable to detect it in real time.

“Unfortunately, it is not easy to identify suspects at ports and airports,” she said, suggesting that the government should focus on travellers from affected countries instead.

“Governments can also implement random rapid diagnostic checks based on certain criteria while considering ethical aspects,” she added.

Among the hardest-hit nations in the current wave is Thailand, which reported over 65,000 cases and three deaths in the last week of May, according to The Nation.

But Thai Public health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said on June 2 that the outbreak in the country has already passed its peak and was expected to ease.

hong Kong saw a downward trend in its positive rate from 13.6% in the week of May 11 to 17 to 11.22% in the following week, although its health department still warned that case levels might remain high in upcoming months. — The Jakarta POST/ANN

Daily and weekly updated statistics tracking the number of COVID-19 cases, recovered, and deaths. Historical data with cumulative charts, graphs, ...

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