Sandakan JPN Prioritises Replacement Of Problematic MyKads

SANDAKAN, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Holders of MyKad that are still in good condition and functioning properly are advised to defer upgrading to the new-generation MyKad at the Sandakan National Registration Department (JPN) office for now, as priority is being given to replacing problematic identity cards.

Sandakan JPN office head Rommel Dela Cruz said priority was currently given to replacing identity cards that were physically damaged, lost or had faulty chips, as well as applications involving changes of address.

“Priority for upgrading to the new-generation MyKad is currently reserved for replacing identity cards that are physically damaged, lost or have faulty chips, as well as for changes of address.

“Customers are advised that only problematic identity cards need to be replaced at this time,” he told Bernama here today.

He said the measure was intended to ensure customers who genuinely needed MyKad replacements were prioritised and that their applications could be processed smoothly.

Rommel added that priority for the new-generation MyKad, which does not feature a ‘ghost image’, was also being given to holders of older versions, namely the Plastic Identity Card (KPP) and High-Quality Identity Card (KPT).

He said staff at the queue-number counter would conduct an initial screening to ensure that only applications meeting the requirements proceeded to the service counters.

Meanwhile, Jumatiah Ismail, 38, described the decision to prioritise the replacement of problematic MyKads over upgrading to the new-generation card as reasonable.

She said those with damaged or malfunctioning identity cards had a more urgent need for replacements compared with holders of MyKads that were still usable.

“In my opinion, it is indeed appropriate to prioritise damaged cards first because those holders really need to replace them.

“If the card is still in good condition and usable, you can wait for a while,” she said.

Jumatiah, who was at the Sandakan JPN office to replace her damaged identity card, was accompanied by her 19-year-old daughter, Nuraisya Raylen, who also needed to replace her card after turning 18.

-- BERNAMA