KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — Malaysians with damaged MyKad chips can get them replaced free of charge from tomorrow until October 7, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced today.
He said the move, carried out through the National Registration Department (JPN), was in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s launch of the BUDI95 targeted fuel subsidy initiative earlier today.
“All MyKad chip replacement applications within the period can be made at any JPN counter nationwide,” Saifuddin said in a statement.
JPN recorded 294,715 replacement applications under the damaged card or chip category between January and August this year, with demand climbing steadily in recent months.
- June saw 32,819 applications, rising to 40,371 in July.
- By August, the number jumped further to 45,411.
- For September alone, 22,858 applications were received up to the 21st.
Based on the recent two-month average of around 43,000 replacements a month, Saifuddin said the free replacement initiative was expected to cost the government about RM714,660, including related expenses.
He stressed that the government was fully covering the cost to ensure Malaysians’ access to subsidies under Budi95 would not be disrupted by faulty identification cards.
“Every eligible citizen should be able to enjoy the benefits of Budi95 without hindrance,” he said.
In a Facebook reel, Saifuddin also shared his personal observation after visiting a petrol station in Cyberjaya several weeks ago to see how the targeted subsidy system worked on the ground.
“It’s very easy to use the Budi95 initiative — just make sure to bring your MyKad when filling up, and most importantly, ensure the chip is functioning well,” he said.
Saifuddin urged Malaysians to keep their MyKad in good condition, calling it not only an identification document but also the key to accessing government facilities, including targeted subsidies.
