MyKad Misuse: NRD Strengthens Identity Verification System For Targeted Subsidy Programme

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The National Registration Department (NRD) assures that technical and security controls of the MyKad system will continue to be strengthened to ensure data accuracy and the security of user identities in the distribution of targeted subsidy programmes.

The NRD, as the main data provider for citizenship information to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) in the implementation of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and BUDI MADANI RON95 initiatives, emphasises that all data provided is official, valid, and undergoes multiple layers of verification through internal security systems.

However, the department stated that it takes seriously complaints of MyKad misuse at the aid redemption stage and that steps to improve the identity verification system are being implemented in collaboration with the MOF.

The NRD also emphasised that system improvements are currently being implemented with priority given to data accuracy and the security of MyKad users, so that technical issues that arose will not recur in the next targeted subsidy implementation, said NRD in a statement today.

The NRD said that several measures have been agreed upon for immediate implementation with the MOF.

According to NRD, the matching and updating of MyKad data and the latest chip version between the department and the MOF will be carried out more frequently to ensure that recipient information is always accurate and up-to-date as well as to prevent misuse of lost, damaged or replaced cards.

The MOF and NRD also stipulated that recipients of assistance must file a police report if they find their MyKad being misused to enable further investigation and for the remaining contributions to be returned to the recipients involved.

"This department remains committed to supporting the MADANI government's policy in ensuring that government subsidies and assistance reach the truly eligible recipients safely, transparently and with integrity," according to the statement.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry was aware of the misuse of MyKad by irresponsible parties to redeem the SARA assistance.

He said a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the abuse would be carried out by the NRD and MOF.

-- BERNAMA