JPN Denies Viral Claims of MyKad Address Enforcement Campaign

The National Registration Department (JPN) is not conducting any special campaign or operations requiring the public to update their residential addresses on their MyKad, nor taking action against those who have yet to do so. Malay Mail reported that the department issued the clarification following viral social media claims that failing to update an address could result in a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both. The report noted that JPN said the responsibility of keeping MyKad information accurate lies with each cardholder, and that those who have moved to a new permanent address are encouraged to update their details for a fee of RM10. The department also urged the public not to spread misleading claims about the government seeking to profit through Regulation 15 of the National Registration Regulations 1990, which has been in force for a long time.

“Such claims do not reflect the actual situation and could cause confusion and unease among the public,” the department said in a statement. “Always verify information from official sources and do not make your own interpretations based on incomplete or out-of-context posts.”

Lowyat.NET reported that under Regulation 15, MyKad holders who move to a new permanent residence and intend to stay there for 90 days or more are required to update their address. The site noted that the widely circulated penalty of a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment of up to three years does exist in law, but under Regulation 25, a general offence provision covering a wide range of contraventions including providing false information, possessing or using another person’s MyKad without lawful authority, forging or reproducing identity cards, and failing to surrender an identity card when required.

JPN advised the public to verify information through official government channels.