By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 27: The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) will be examining a proposal to include “Bumiputera” status on the new national identity card (MyKad), following a push by Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin.
Willie proposed the inclusion primarily to simplify administrative dealings and prevent recurring difficulties faced by non-Muslim Bumiputeras, particularly those from Sarawak, who are often questioned about their status due to their religion or the lack of clear ethnic identification of the current MyKad.
He emphasised that the request was focused on easing everyday transactions rather than securing extra rights.
Willie highlighted cases where bank officers and private sector staff fail to recognise Sarawak’s diverse native groups, such as the Iban, Penan, and Melanau; many of whom are not Muslim.
“During the debate, I suggested that Bumiputera status be printed on the new identity cards to simplify procedures.
“Recently, a bank officer embarrassed a Bumiputera from Sarawak by not recognising their status because they were non-Muslim,” he said.
He cited an incident where a Sarawakian Bumiputera was looked down on because a bank officer did not understand the variety of ethnic groups in the State, noting that adding the status would help prevent such misunderstandings and potential unity issues.
Willie also pointed out the issue of non-Muslim citizens from Sabah and Sarawak facing difficulties eating in public during the fasting month of Ramadan, as people often mistakenly assume they are Malay Muslims.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah confirmed that the suggestion will be given consideration by the ministry’s officers.
“I have taken note of the matter, and our officers will conduct a detailed study on the proposal,” said Shamsul during the winding-up of the 2026 Supply Bill debate for the Home Ministry in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday (Nov 26).
Meanwhile, Shamsul revealed that the next generation of MyKad is scheduled for introduction on June 1, 2026 and will incorporate a new security feature: a QR code.
This feature is designed to enhance verification, curb forgery, and prevent the misuse of the identity card, aligning with modern security standards.
“The government has approved a new contract for the supply of MyKad, MyTentera, and MyPoca cards,” Shamsul told the Dewan Rakyat.
He confirmed that the National Registration Department (JPN) would be able to process applications to modify information on the MyKad, depending on the type of change requested. — DayakDaily
