THE National Registration Department (NRD) is prepared to extend counter operating hours if there is a surge in applications for replacement of damaged MyKad chips ahead of the implementation of the Budi Madani RON95 (BUDI95) Programme.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said NRD officers had been informed of the matter.
"I have informed NRD officers that if additional time is needed, they must be prepared until all matters are completed," he said after inspecting operations at the NRD Putrajaya today.
According to him, a 30-minute inspection at the NRD headquarters found that things were running smoothly despite the increasing number of people.
"I had the opportunity to interact with people who came from around Putrajaya, Kajang, Bandar Putra and Subang. They chose to do business here because all matters were completed within a day," he said.
According to him, as of 9 am, the number of people in line had reached 99 but the number was still considered reasonable.
“They consider the waiting period to be reasonable because the MyKad replacement process is completed on the same day,” he explained.
Previously, the government announced a RM10 fee waiver effective today until October 7, allowing people to replace damaged MyKads without charge.
Based on an average of 40,000 card replacement applications per month, the government is estimated to have incurred a cost of RM714,660 during that period.
Saifuddin said the move was important to ensure the people did not face problems during the implementation of the targeted RON95 subsidy starting September 30.
"We want to ensure that the MyKad chip works properly so the identification verification process when purchasing subsidized petrol is not disrupted," he said.
He stressed that this proactive measure gives people enough time to replace their MyKads before the implementation day.
“We urge the public to use this opportunity. Don’t wait until the last minute,” he said.
Saifuddin added that the NRD will ensure sufficient card stocks to avoid any disruption.
“We want the people to have confidence that their affairs can be resolved without any problems,” he said. - September 23, 2025
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