Govt Steps Up MyKad Data Synchronisation to Prevent Subsidy Access Disruptions

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28:  The government is strengthening coordination between the National Registration Department (NRD) and the Finance Ministry to speed up data synchronization following MyKad replacements, after public complaints over temporary disruptions in accessing government assistance programs.

The Home Ministry said the move aims to ensure eligible recipients continue receiving aid without interruption, following reports that some individuals were unable to access the Budi Madani RON95 petrol subsidy (Budi95) after replacing their MyKad.

In a written parliamentary reply dated Wednesday, the ministry clarified that the issue was technical and temporary, stemming from differences in data update cycles between government agencies. It stressed that there was no loss of MyKad data and that affected individuals did not lose their eligibility for assistance.

According to the ministry, the NRD updates records of MyKad data changes on a daily basis, allowing the Finance Ministry’s database to be refreshed by the next working day. However, data updates for government assistance initiatives at the Finance Ministry system level are conducted periodically, on a weekly or monthly basis.

“As a result, individuals who use a newly issued MyKad during the transition period may temporarily face data-matching issues in the MyKasih and Budi95 systems, even though their personal information remains intact and has not been deleted,” the ministry said.

To address the matter, the Home Ministry said ongoing efforts are underway to enhance data integration between the NRD and the Finance Ministry, which will help ensure smoother implementation of government assistance programs.

The ministry was responding to a question from Jimmy Puah (PH-Tebrau), who sought clarification on reported data losses affecting MyKasih and Budi95 recipients following MyKad replacements.