Your MyKad is one of the most important documents you own. Yet many Malaysians still hand it over without thinking, whether it's at a condominium, office building, or private premises.
While some people believe only the National Registration Department (JPN), the police, and Customs officers can inspect a MyKad, that's actually not the complete picture.
According to Regulation 7(1) of the National Registration Regulations 1990, there are five categories of individuals who are legally allowed to require you to produce your MyKad for inspection.
Who Can Legally Inspect Your MyKad?
1. Registration Officers
Registration officers from the National Registration Department (JPN) carrying out their official duties have the legal authority to inspect your MyKad.
2. Police Officers
Police officers may require you to produce your MyKad when acting within their lawful powers and official duties.
3. Customs Officers
Royal Malaysian Customs officers are also authorised to inspect your MyKad while performing their official responsibilities.
4. Members of the Armed Forces
This category often surprises people. However, the authority is limited. Members of the Armed Forces may inspect your MyKad only when they are performing sentry or prowler duties. It does not apply to every military personnel in every situation.
5. Authorised Public Officers
Certain public officers may also inspect your MyKad if they belong to a category that has been authorised in writing by the Director-General of National Registration.
Can Security Guards Ask for Your MyKad?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
In June 2025, JPN clarified that security guards do not have the legal authority to demand, retain, or scan your MyKad.
Additionally, a 2007 Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) circular instructed private security companies to stop keeping visitors' identity documents as deposits.
While security guards may request alternative forms of visitor registration, they generally cannot insist on holding or retaining your MyKad.
Your MyKad Shouldn't Be Kept by Others
Another important protection comes under Regulation 8A, which prohibits a person from unreasonably detaining another person's identity card.
In practical terms, your MyKad should not be kept:
As a deposit for a visitor pass.
As security for borrowed equipment.
As a condition for collecting another item.
To be returned only after you leave a building or premises.
If an organisation needs to verify your identity, there are usually other ways to do so without retaining your MyKad.
You Also Have Responsibilities
While the law protects your MyKad from being unlawfully detained, it also places responsibilities on you.
Under Regulation 6 of the National Registration Regulations 1990, every MyKad holder must:
Carry their MyKad at all times.
Be responsible for its custody.
Take reasonable steps to prevent it from being lost, damaged, or misused.
These obligations are designed to ensure that your identity document remains secure and is not used fraudulently.
Know Your Rights and Your Responsibilities
Understanding who can legally inspect your MyKad helps you protect your personal information without refusing lawful requests from authorised officers.
The next time someone asks to hold onto your MyKad, remember that not everyone has the legal authority to inspect it and even fewer have the right to keep it. Knowing the law allows you to safeguard one of your most important identity documents while complying with legitimate legal requirements.
