The National Registration Department (JPN) has issued a stern warning to all Malaysians regarding the misuse of MyKad at petrol stations.
As the Malaysian government tightens the implementation of targeted fuel subsidies, the National Registration Department (JPN) has observed a rising trend of MyKad misuse. Reports indicate that some individuals have been using the identification cards of spouses, children, or friends to bypass fuel quotas or gain unauthorized access to subsidized RON95 petrol and diesel.
The Legal Consequences of MyKad Misuse
Under Regulation 25 of the National Registration Regulations 1990, it is strictly illegal to possess, hold, or use another person’s MyKad without authorized permission. The law is clear: a MyKad is a personal identification document that must remain with its rightful owner.
Individuals found guilty of this offense face severe legal repercussions:
- Fines: A minimum fine of RM3,000, which can escalate up to RM20,000.
- Imprisonment: A jail sentence of up to three years.
- Combined Penalties: In serious cases, the court may impose both the maximum fine and a prison sentence.
No Exceptions for Family Members
One common misconception among the public is that “sharing” a MyKad within a household is permissible for the sake of convenience. JPN has explicitly debunked this, stating that even spouses and children are prohibited from holding or using each other’s MyKads to purchase subsidized fuel.
The department clarified that only authorized personnel, such as police officers, are legally permitted to hold a MyKad that does not belong to them. For the general public, using a family member’s ID to abuse fuel quotas is considered a serious breach of national regulations.
Increased Enforcement at Petrol Stations
Following reports of widespread abuse, JPN has announced plans to increase enforcement and investigations at petrol stations across the country. Integrated operations will be carried out to ensure that the person presenting the MyKad for fuel subsidy verification is indeed the owner of the document.
Petrol station operators have also been urged to be vigilant. The misuse of these identification cards not only constitutes an identity-related crime but also undermines the government’s efforts to ensure that fuel subsidies reach the intended target groups.
Protect Your Identity
Malaysians are advised to keep their MyKads secure at all times and to never lend them to others, regardless of the reason. Beyond the risk of being fined for fuel subsidy abuse, lending your MyKad opens the door to potential identity theft and other fraudulent activities that could have long-lasting legal and financial consequences.
By adhering to these regulations, citizens contribute to a fairer distribution of national resources while avoiding the heavy hand of the law.
