The Malaysian government has approved amendments to the National Registration Act 1959 that will enable broader use of biometric data for identification purposes. The changes, passed in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday through a voice vote, are intended to modernise the country’s security and verification systems.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the new measures will expand biometric collection to include ten fingerprints, iris scans and facial recognition data. He explained that the update was necessary to meet current security demands and safeguard sensitive personal information more effectively.
Shamsul Anuar added that the initiative will pave the way for a redesigned national identity card featuring enhanced security elements. The upgraded card, which is currently in development by the Home Ministry and National Registration Department, will replace the existing version introduced in 2012. Officials expect the new design to help curb identity fraud, document forgery and misuse.
Government statistics indicate that between 2021 and August 2025, authorities recorded 795 offences under the National Registration Department’s jurisdiction. Of these, 326 cases involved individuals caught with counterfeit identification cards or using documents belonging to others. The ministry views the biometric and identity card upgrades as essential steps in addressing such crimes while keeping pace with technological advancements in verification.
(Source: Bernama)
