The National Registration Department (NRD), also referred to as JPN, confirmed on July 23 that it has not launched a campaign to force citizens to update their MyKad addresses. Officials clarified that while residents are encouraged to keep their information accurate, there is no active enforcement operation or plan to fine individuals for outdated residential data.
Viral social media claims alleging a government-led crackdown on MyKad address records caused widespread concern. Posts circulating online warned that citizens failing to update their residential address on their identification cards could face fines of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both. The National Registration Department issued a formal rebuttal on Wednesday, July 23, dismissing these reports as inaccurate and urging the public to ignore the misinformation.
Clarification from the National Registration Department
In a social media statement, the department emphasized that it is not conducting any special operations or enforcement campaigns targeting address discrepancies. According to the NRD, the circulation of these claims has caused unnecessary confusion and unease among the public. The agency stressed that individuals should verify information exclusively through official channels rather than interpreting incomplete or out-of-context posts.
The responsibility of ensuring that information on the MyKad remains accurate and up-to-date lies with each cardholder,
the department stated. It further cautioned against the spread of claims that the government is seeking to profit through the implementation of the National Registration Regulations 1990.
While the NRD clarified that it is not enforcing a new mandate, it reiterated that the legal requirement to maintain accurate records remains in place. The department encourages citizens who have moved to permanent new residences to visit an NRD branch to update their identification cards. The process involves a nominal fee of RM10 for citizens, while non-citizens are charged RM40 for a new card, as the address is printed on the surface of the card rather than stored only on the chip.
Legal Obligations Under Regulation 15
The viral panic stems from a genuine, long-standing law: Regulation 15 of the National Registration Regulations 1990. This regulation mandates that any Malaysian who changes their place of residence and stays at a new location for 90 days or more is legally required to update their MyKad to reflect the new address. The regulation further stipulates that this change must be made within 14 days of moving to the new residence.
This requirement applies regardless of whether an individual owns their previous property, is renting, moved in with a partner, relocated for work, or plans to return to their old address later. The requirement is not a suggestion or a guideline; it is a regulation with the force of law behind it.
The penalties for failing to comply are prescribed under Regulation 25 of the same 1990 regulations, which allows for a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. Furthermore, the parent legislation, the National Registration Act 1959, provides the Home Minister with the power to prescribe penalties of up to RM50,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both for any breach of the regulations made under the Act.
Despite the existence of these laws, the NRD’s recent statement confirms that there is no current, systematic effort to hunt down individuals who have not updated their addresses. Historically, enforcement has been situational, often focusing on periods where address accuracy is critical, such as during elections, when the address on a MyKad determines the voting constituency, or during the Movement Control Order in 2020 and 2021, when police used MyKad addresses to verify whether individuals were within their permitted travel radius.
Updating Your MyKad Address
For those who wish to ensure their records are compliant, the update process is designed to be straightforward. Cardholders must visit any NRD branch in person with their current MyKad and supporting documentation. Acceptable proofs of address include:
- Tenancy agreements
- Electricity or water bills
- Sale and purchase agreements
- Letters of confirmation from local officials, such as a village head, assemblyman, or member of Parliament
The NRD maintains strict standards for these updates. Workplace and office addresses, as well as post office boxes, are not accepted; the address must be a permanent residential address in Malaysia. Following a policy change in May 2019, the documentation requirements were tightened after the NRD discovered instances where 50 to 100 people had registered the same address. The NRD continues to advise citizens to prioritize accuracy, stating, Always verify information from official sources and do not make your own interpretations based on incomplete or out-of-context posts.
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