Your New MyKad Won’t Work as a Touch ‘n Go Card Anymore
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If you’ve been using your IC to tap through toll booths or hop on the LRT, that convenience is coming to an end. The new MyKad, expected to roll out in June 2026, will no longer support the built-in Touch ‘n Go (TnG) function.
The announcement was made by National Registration Department (JPN) Director-General Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias at a media engagement session, as reported by Bernama.
Why Is the TnG Feature Being Removed?
No official reason has been given for the removal of the embedded Touch ‘n Go feature, though the focus of the new card is squarely on enhanced identity security rather than payment functionality.
According to the JPN Director-General, the new MyKad will feature 53 security elements, more than double the 23 found on the current version. The upgrades include:
- Laser engraving
- Ultraviolet (UV) security elements
- Holograms and guilloche patterns (the intricate line designs seen on banknotes that make counterfeiting extremely difficult)
- Microtext
- QR codes for enforcement use
- A chip with upgraded encryption technology
The new card also comes alongside updated versions of MyPoCA and MyTentera, which are expected to launch in the same rollout.
Do You Need to Replace Your MyKad Immediately?
No, and this is important.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has confirmed that “existing MyKad holders are not legally required to replace their cards,” once the new version is introduced. Your current card remains valid.
This means if your MyKad’s Touch ‘n Go feature is still active, you can continue using it until the card’s 10-year validity expires. Only when you apply for a new MyKad, whether voluntarily or because your current one expires, will you receive the new version without TnG.
What This Means for Your Wallet
The practical impact is minimal for most Malaysians, especially those who already rely on the TnG eWallet or a separate TnG card. However, if the MyKad TnG was your backup payment method, say, when you’ve left your wallet at home, you’ll need to make sure a TnG card or the eWallet app is always accessible.
For those who haven’t yet switched to the TnG eWallet, a standard physical TnG card is available at most LRT stations, convenience stores, and TnG service centres for a nominal fee. If you want special, limited edition TnG cards, you can also visit Touch ‘n Go’s official Lazada or Shopee store to get them.
The official launch date for the new MyKad will be announced by the Home Ministry. For the latest updates, follow the JPN official portal.
