Government Multiple purpose Smart Card technology or popularly known as MyKad is a highly sophisticated invention by a local citizen that functions to improve the quality and lifestyle of its citizens. MyKad is not only an identity card, it contains other applications that can be utilized by people for everyday routine activities. The main applications provided are identity verification, health, payment, accessibility, business and retail services.
New applications could be added from time to time based on the requirements of organizations and individuals. Mykad has the best safety features. It is equipped with a smart chip and up-to-date biometric technology such as colored digital photographs and digital scans of the cardholder’s thumb in the chip. MyKad ensures that all data are accurate and safe from cloning threats.
According to the Facebook post by the National Registration Department (JPA), these are the 7 best safety features that consist on every MyKad in Malaysia:
1) Rainbow-Colored Printed Plastic
The physical print of the MyKad can change color from red to purple at certain angles.
2) Laser Embedded MyKad Number
To prevent the MyKad numbers from being easily scratched.
3) Laser Embedded Photograph
There is a second image of the owner of the MyKad so that it is hard for people to swap it.
4) Anti-Copy Protection
Prevent MyKad from being easily printed by other irresponsible individuals.
5) Guilloche Pattern
It is the official pattern for the MyKad background.
6) UV Radiation Of Various Colors
Color variations are found on an original MyKad.
7) 80K Chip
It is used to support all the new applications that are available.
For your information, the first identification card in Malaysia was issued in 1948. The primary objective for the issuance of the card at that time was to safeguard national safety against the communist threat by controlling the mobility of the people. Self-identification was mandatory for all citizens age 12 and above and this scheme managed to curb the communists’ mobility since mobility is restricted to identification cardholders only.