We have our IC with us all the time (only because it is mandatory to do so). However, besides the usual use for identification purposes, did you know our MyKad has other cool functions as well?
1. A loyalty/ rewards card
Source: CNBC
Loyalty cards allow us to shop and earn at the same time, which is great! However, with so many shops, brands and cards available, we sometimes lose track of what loyalty cards we own and how many points we’ve accumulated and so forth.
Well, you’d be happy to know that you can use your IC as a loyalty card and collect points for future redemption from hundreds of merchants of different industries! Some of these merchants include Friends of Burger, Wood & Steel Cafe, MYDIN, SASA Pet Shop, City Vision Optometrist and a lot more. You can even use it on online portals such as LAZADA, ZALORA, AliExpress, AirAsia Go, Agoda, Expedia, Hotels.com, and more!
How?
- Register your IC for FREE here
- Start collecting points by presenting your IC at participating outlets and redeeming free goodies!
2. Use it as your driver’s license
Source: FlashyFlash
Important license info including expiry date, license type and category of license can all be inserted into the IC chip and read on any Mobile Card Reader, Mini Card Reader or Kiosk.
But before you present it as your license, just make sure to include your license info into your IC chip first.
How?
You can do so by visiting your nearest Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ), Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) or selected POS Malaysia branches to get it done.
3. A transit card (Touch ‘n Go)
Source: NST
In case you haven’t noticed, there is a Touch ‘n Go (TnG) logo printed on the back of your IC. This means that your IC contains contactless technology which allows for quick payments at highway toll plazas, public transport such as the LRT and RapidKL, car parks (that utilise TnG), even theme parks.
How?
You basically top it up the same way you’d top up your TnG card; at toll plazas, LRT stations and selected ATMs.
4. An Electronic Purse (e-purse)
Source: Projek MSSP
What this means is that you can use your IC exactly like a prepaid card for purchases or transactions of up to RM2,000!
How?
- Head to the nearest JPN branch and activate the e-purse function for your IC
- Top up your e-purse at any MEPS ATM. Woohoo!
5. An ATM card
Source: MyKadSystem
This function was made available since 2002 as part of the Government Multipurpose Card (GMPC) movement to ensure the IC was more than just a card to prove your nationality, as stated by Utusan. All ICs produced after 2002 should have the ATM logo printed on the back of the card as well.
Majority of banks in Malaysia have upgraded their ATMs to accept ATM cards as well as ICs for withdrawals, account balance checks, bill payments, and so forth. These participating banks include Hong Leong Bank, Bank Islam, Public Bank, Maybank, Southern Bank and Citibank.
How?
Just head to your respective bank to activate the ATM function on your IC before using.
6. As a passport
Source: Pamper.my
Yes, you read that right! According to the Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN), passport info including expiry date and serial number can be entered into your IC.
Although it doesn’t entirely replace your passport, especially for international travels, it can be used for entry and exit at the Malaysian immigration control gates using the autogate line during domestic flights. Registration for residents entering into Sabah and Sarawak is also simplified, as you can easily present your IC as opposed to filling up forms.
How?
Head to any Malaysian Immigration office to get these details inserted into your IC.
7. As a health document
Source: TheWellTravelledPostcard
General information including allergies, blood type, chronic diseases, organ implants, info on beneficiary, or next-of-kin can be inserted into the IC chip.
It may not sound like much, but easy access to all the above info can save your life during emergencies.
How?
Visit clinics participating in the Telehealth Flagship Application Project (Putrajaya and Serdang Hospitals) to get all this important info inserted into your chip.
There you have it, just some of the things your IC is surprisingly capable of! So convenient right?! Who knew our ICs could do so many different things?! Powderful!
You can also (finally) take out some of the cards and lighten the weight and bulkiness of your wallet. You’re welcome!
Also read: SPM Students Can Apply For These Two Highly-Anticipated Scholarships Starting 19 March
