The government plans to amend the National Registration Act 1959 (Act 78) to introduce a more complete biometric data collection system. Through this amendment, data such as 10 fingerprints, iris and face scans will be recorded to improve the security of Malaysians' identification documents.
Deputy Home Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah stated that the government needs to improve the methods of collecting, storing and using biometric data to be in line with current needs.
He announced that the government will introduce a new structure of identity cards equipped with the latest security features to replace the existing cards that have been in use since 2012.
He also revealed statistics on offences that occurred under the jurisdiction of the National Registration Department (NRD). During the period from 2021 to August 2025, the authorities have made a total of 795 arrests involving various offences.
Of these, a total of 326 individuals have been charged with the offence of possessing a fake identity card or using someone else's identity card.
Meanwhile, he informed that the NRD is planning to launch a new generation of identity cards which will be equipped with more sophisticated security technology.