The Malaysian Government Multipurpose Card (GMPC) or MyKad was
officially launched on September 5th, 2001 and incorporates a microchip,
which contains several items of data including information on race and religion.
There have been numerous errors especially in the religion field, thus the
need for you to check your MyKad details.
Below are some of the ways you can get your MyKad checked:
1. Go to the National Registration Department of your state and
request to check the details of your MyKad from the Information desk.
2. If you are an Astro subsriber, you can do so by turning to Channel 800
(ITV). Choose MyKad & Credit Card Reader menu, and insert your MyKad
(chip facing up) to the 2nd Astro slot when prompted. Your details will be
shown on your TV screen.
1) WHAT IF I HAVE BEEN MISTAKENLY CATEGORISED
AS A MUSLIM?
If you have been wrongly categorised as a Muslim in your MYKAD, you will be
buried as a Muslim in accordance with Muslim burial rites. Your non-Muslim
family will have no right to claim your body whatsoever.
If you die without a will, your non-Muslim family will not be able to inherit
your property. According to Syariah Law, your property will go to the Islamic
Trust Fund (Baitulmal). Even if you have written a will, only 1/3 of your
property will be distributed according to your will.
2) BUT MY FAMILY CAN SEEK LEGAL ACTION, RIGHT?
Your family will have no redress in the Civil Courts as the Civil Courts have no
jurisdiction to decide on Islamic matters. As non-Muslims, they also have no
access to the Syariah Courts to resolve the matter.
3) HOW DO SUCH ERRORS AFFECT NON-MUSLIM
MALAYSIANS?
The proportion of Malaysians currently stands at 60% Muslims and 40% Non-
Muslims. If a sizeable proportion of non-Muslims do not bother to amend their
erroneous MYKAD, this may reduce the percentage of non-Muslims in Malaysia
and weaken our voice and participation in formulating strategic directions and
policies for the country.
4) WHAT IF I HAVE NOT BEEN CATEGORISED AS A MUSLIM
BUT ONLY INCORRECTLY STATED AS HAVING A
NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGION SUCH AS BUDDHIST, HINDU,
SIKH ETC?
Even if the error does not turn you into a Muslim but simply one of the other
non-Christian religions, your passivity will diminish the numbers and strength of
the Christian Community in Malaysia.
Christian rights could become restricted for example the right to build more
churches, schools and other faith-based structures, right to request land for
cemeteries, columbarium etc. which are approved by the Government based on
the latest population records.
Step 1
Go to the National Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara).
Step 2
Proceed to the Information Desk and ask for Borang A and Borang KPO3 to
change your religion data.
Step 3
Pay RM10, fill up both the Borangs and proceed to have your photo taken.
Step 4
Get a number and once your number is called, submit the completed forms to
the Department.
Step 5
Collect your new MYKAD when it is ready.