MyKad : You Could Be Fined RM20,000 If You Haven't Updated Your MyKad Address

If you've moved house but your MyKad still shows your old address, you're certainly not alone. Many Malaysians forget to update their residential address after relocating.

However, what many don't realise is that failing to do so is actually against the law and could carry serious penalties.

Under the National Registration Regulations 1990, Malaysians who move to a new residence for 90 days or longer are legally required to update the address on their MyKad.

This applies whether you've bought a new home, moved into a rental property, relocated for work, or are staying with family or a partner. If your new place of residence becomes your home for at least three months, your MyKad should reflect that address.

Even more importantly, the law requires you to update your address within 14 days of moving.

What happens if you don't?

Under Regulation 25 of the National Registration Regulations 1990, those who fail to comply may face:

• A fine of up to RM20,000
• Imprisonment for up to three years
• Or both

Although such penalties are not commonly imposed, the legal requirement remains in force. Your MyKad address can become especially important during elections, where it determines your voting constituency, or during police inspections and emergency situations, where authorities may verify your registered address.

How to update your MyKad address?

Fortunately, updating your address is a simple process and usually takes less than an hour. Here's what you'll need:

• Your current MyKad
• One supporting document showing your new residential address, such as:
• Electricity or water bill
• Tenancy agreement
• Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
• A confirmation letter from your village head, state assemblyperson or Member of Parliament
• Visit any National Registration Department (JPN) branch and submit your application.

Fees

• Malaysian citizens: RM10
• Non-citizens: RM40

A new MyKad will be issued because your residential address is printed directly on the card. Keep in mind that office addresses, workplace addresses, and P.O. Box addresses are not accepted. Your MyKad must display your permanent residential address in Malaysia.

Why is supporting documentation required?

The stricter verification process was introduced in 2019 after authorities discovered multiple cases where dozens of individuals had registered the same address, while others used vacant land as their residential address.

The additional documentation helps ensure that registered addresses accurately reflect where people actually live.

For many people, an outdated MyKad address may not seem like a big issue until it's needed. Whether it's for voting, official government matters or identity verification, having an updated address can save you unnecessary complications.

Considering it only costs RM10 and takes a short visit to a JPN branch, updating your MyKad is one small task that could help you avoid much bigger problems in the future.

Source : KoolFM , The Star

Image Credit : SAYS