02/06/2026

TUESDAY | JUNE 2, 2026

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Uphold Rukun Negara, stand united: Sultan Ibrahim

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Any Malaysian who refuses to adhere to the principles of the Rukun Negara is “not worthy of being called a citizen of Malaysia,” His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, said in a strong reminder on national unity and civic responsibility. Sultan Ibrahim underscored that unity remains the foundation of Malaysia’s strength. “I have often emphasised that unity is the foundation of national strength,” he highlighted. “Therefore, in order to ensure economic progress, racial harmony and national stability, the public must stand united, practise tolerance, mutual respect and uphold the principles of the Rukun Negara,” he said in his royal address at the Investiture Ceremony for Federal Awards, Medals and Honours in conjunction with his official birthday at the Istana Negara yesterday. The King warned that Malaysia must not allow history to repeat itself, referring to the May 13, 1969 racial riots as a painful lesson for the nation.

public not to rush to replace their MyKad as the rollout will be carried out gradually and will not involve simultaneous replacement of all cards. Priority will be given to applicants who make appointments through the department’s Appointment System, as well as holders of plastic identity cards, high-quality identity cards and MyKad Version 1. “Holders of these cards are required to replace their cards with the new structure MyKad in stages within three years,“ the department said. At the same time, it said existing identity cards remain valid for all official transactions, including the redemption of subsidies and government assistance, and the security of cardholders’personal data will continue to be safeguarded. For further information, the public may visit the department’s official website at www.jpn.gov.my or its official social media channels. The introduction of the new structure MyKad marks the latest chapter in the evolution of Malaysia’s national identification system, which began in 1948 with paper-based identity cards in Peninsular Malaysia before being extended to Sabah and Sarawak. The system later evolved to plastic identity cards in the 1960s to improve durability, followed by the introduction of high-quality identity cards in the 1980s with enhanced security features. Malaysia made history in 2001 with the launch of the MyKad, recognised as one of the world’s earliest multipurpose smart cards. The technology was further enhanced in 2012 with a more advanced security chip while the new structure MyKad represents the latest step in the continuing evolution of the country’s identity system. – Bernama freedom of expression must not be misused to spread slander and hatred, calling on authorities to strengthen enforcement against such abuses. The King also congratulated recipients of federal awards and honours, describing them as recognition that should inspire continued service to the nation. “These honours are not for self-glorification but should be used as motivation to continue sincerely serving religion, race and country.” Concluding his address, Sultan Ibrahim called for continued unity and prosperity for Malaysia. “Let us pray that Malaysia continues to be blessed with grace, peace and prosperity, and that its people continue to live in harmony, prosperity and unity.”

o His Majesty emphasises importance of following national principles

His Majesty said the Rukun Negara, introduced on Aug 31, 1970, remains the guiding philosophy of national unity and citizenship. “In order to build racial unity and ensure social harmony, the government introduced the Rukun Negara as a pledge and commitment of every citizen. “Therefore, I urge all parties to appreciate each principle of the Rukun Negara and make it a practice and guiding principle in life as Malaysians,” he said. He emphasised that adherence to national principles is fundamental to citizenship. “In fact, since school, all students

may anger the public.” Sultan Ibrahim also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, including the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to produce deepfake videos and fabricated content. “The spread of false information, including fake content, also creates confusion in society. More complicated still is when AI is misused to produce false news through deepfake videos and audio on social media. “Even my own image has been used in fake videos and content to mislead the public.” He reminded Malaysians that

have been taught to recite the Rukun Negara pledge. “Therefore, any Malaysian who refuses to adhere to the principles of the Rukun Negara is not worthy of being called a citizen of Malaysia.” Turning to current political developments, His Majesty said election preparations are beginning to intensify and urged political leaders to act responsibly. “My advice to all political leaders is to maintain manners, speech and to be cautious when making any statements. “Avoid provocation and disputes on sensitive issues involving the Rulers, race and religion, as these

Enhanced MyKad rollout this month aims to boost security

KUALA LUMPUR: After more than two decades, Malaysia’s national identity card is entering a new phase with the rollout of a new-generation MyKad this month, featuring enhanced security measures to protect personal identities and data. The phased rollout, beginning this month, marks the latest effort to enhance the security of the MyKad, first introduced on Sept 5, 2001, to ensure it remains resilient against cyber threats and document forgery. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has previously said the next-generation MyKad is intended to strengthen the national identity system through the adoption of improved technology and security features. The new structure MyKad will feature 53 security elements, compared with 23 in the current version, said National Registration Department director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias. Among the enhancements are QR codes for verification and enforcement purposes, holograms, microtext, ultraviolet security features, laser engraving and a chip with a higher level of encryption. The improvements are expected to enhance identity verification capabilities while reducing the risk of forgery and misuse of identification documents. The rollout is expected to be officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on a date to be announced. As an initial step, the department announced that the new card will be issued at its headquarters in Putrajaya and 18 selected department offices through an appointment system before being expanded nationwide in stages. The phased approach is intended to ensure a smooth implementation process and avoid congestion at service counters. The department also advised the

New scheme extends 24/7 protection for employees KUALA LUMPUR: More than nine million contributors under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 are now automatically covered against non-work-related accidents under the Lindung 24 Jam scheme, effective yesterday. “Other benefits include constant attendance allowance, funeral benefits, physical rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation or the Return To Work programme, and education benefits to support beneficiaries’ future.“ Ramanan said the expanded protection is in line with recommendations by the International Labour Organisation and international best practices aimed at strengthening workers’ social security coverage. – BERNAMAPIC

them through the Social Security Organisation’s existing procedures.“ He said contributions for the scheme would be borne entirely by employees, with implementation carried out in phases and subject to a contribution wage ceiling of RM6,000. At present, the contribution rate is set at 0.75% of monthly wages. Employers are responsible for deducting the contributions from employees’salaries and remitting them to the Social Security Organisation. He said contributions must be paid continuously to ensure uninterrupted protection while facilitating compliance by employers and employees. “Through the scheme, the organisation provides eight benefits to safeguard contributors’ welfare and livelihood, including medical benefits, temporary disablement benefits, permanent disablement benefits and dependants’ benefits.

Ramanan said the scheme is in line with recommendations by the International Labour Organisation and international best practices aimed at strengthening workers’ social security coverage. He added that the latest initiative spearheaded by the organisation makes Malaysia’s social security network more comprehensive, dynamic and relevant to labour market realities. “Applications for benefits can be submitted online through the Lindung Faedah portal at lindungfaedah.perkeso.gov.my or at the nearest the Social Security Organisation office.“ – Bernama

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the scheme, introduced through amendments to the Act, expands Malaysia’s social security protection framework by providing coverage beyond workplace-related incidents, including during public holidays and rest days. “The implementation of the scheme under the Social Security Organisation is automatic for all existing formal sector workers and does not require any new registration by employers or employees. “For individuals newly employed and reporting for duty after June 1, employers are required to register