JPN in final stages of next-gen IC procurement

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 — The Home Ministry (KDN), via the National Registration Department (JPN), is in the final phase of finalising the procurement of the next-generation identity card to replace the current version, which has been issued since 2012.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the new identity card is designed to ensure high security, enhanced safety features, and alignment with the latest security technology advancements.

“This new identity card also aims to prevent incidents and attempts to counterfeit and misuse identity cards, which are crucial documents for Malaysians,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was replying to a question from Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara) on the latest status of the next-generation identity card that the government plans to introduce as a replacement for the existing one.

Shamsul Anuar said the next-generation identity card is made from polycarbonate and equipped with a high-capacity security chip featuring enhanced encryption and security standards to combat forgery and data breaches.

“The design of the next-generation identity card will feature a more modern look, incorporating advanced laser engraving and holographic elements to align with the latest technological developments and high-security standards,” he said.

He added that the KDN, through the JPN, is conducting a market study to ensure the implementation of the new identity card adheres to the principle of optimal cost-benefit to avoid burdening the government with production costs while ensuring resources are used efficiently.

Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar disclosed that JPN had carried out 2,103 enforcement operations nationwide, comprising 1,606 standalone operations and 497 joint operations with other enforcement agencies from 2022 to October 31 this year.

As a result of these operations, JPN detained 519 people for offences under the National Registration Regulations 1990.

Of these, 190 people were prosecuted under Regulation 25(1)(e), which included 130 cases involving fake identity cards and 60 cases of possessing someone else’s identity card.

“This underscores the necessity of developing a more advanced identity card to effectively address these issues,” he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) about the number of identity card forgery cases.

— Bernama