NRD Expedites MyKad Citizenship Reviews Impacting Essential Daily Needs

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28  – The National Registration Department (NRD) is giving priority to citizenship status reviews involving long-term MyKad holders whose access to basic daily necessities—such as employment, education, healthcare, and banking services—has been directly disrupted.

The Home Ministry (KDN) announced the policy focus in a written parliamentary reply published on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, stating that critical cases are evaluated based on factual evidence and supporting documentation without breaching established statutory requirements.

“In cases involving discrepancies, investigations and verifications are conducted in accordance with legal procedures before any decision is reached. Assessments are based on the facts and evidence of each case, rather than merely the length of time an individual has held an identification document,” the Home Ministry explained.

The ministry was responding to a query from Independent Labuan MP Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman regarding fast-tracked government remedies for individuals who have possessed MyKad identification cards for decades but face sudden citizenship status reviews that disrupt their livelihoods.

KDN advised individuals with administrative errors or discrepancies in their civil registration records to submit data correction applications immediately. Those with undetermined citizenship status or revoked identity documents must apply through prescribed statutory channels.

Case Evaluation Criteria, Application Guidelines, and Security Verification

Key procedural requirements, legal options, and verification measures outlined by the Home Ministry include:

• Evidentiary Review Standard: Each case is scrutinized against official birth records, identity card registration logs, citizenship certificates, and related primary documents. Eligibility determination relies strictly on verified facts rather than the duration of identity document possession.
• Data Correction Procedures: Individuals with registration discrepancies are advised to apply directly for formal data corrections through official NRD channels.
• Undetermined Status & Revocation Reapplication: Persons with undetermined status or whose identity documents were revoked due to inaccurate background info must submit fresh applications through established legal frameworks, subject to individual case merits.
• Biometric Security & Legal Compliance: The NRD continues to enhance its data-matching, verification, and biometric security systems under the provisions of the National Registration Act 1959 and the National Registration Regulations 1990.

–NMT