PUTRAJAYA, June 11 – The National Registration Department (NRD) has issued a stern reminder that security guards are not legally authorised to request, retain, or scan the MyKad, Malaysia’s national identity card. This clarification follows a viral social media incident involving a security guard allegedly using an electronic device to scan a visitor’s MyKad, sparking public concern over data privacy.
In a statement to Bernama, NRD clarified that only five categories of officers are permitted under Regulation 7(1) of the National Registration Regulations 1990 to handle MyKad: NRD officers, police officers, customs officers, military personnel on duty, and authorised civil servants.
The department further emphasised that scanning the MyKad using electronic devices by private entities contravenes the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA), which governs the handling of personal data. The NRD urged the public not to surrender their MyKad to unauthorised personnel and to report any breaches immediately.
It also called on organisations to ensure their security staff are well-informed about the legal boundaries surrounding personal data and identity verification to prevent further violations and uphold public trust.
