Malaysia: Additional Details on i-KAD Issuance Released

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has published additional details on the issuance of i-KAD cards, following the reinstatement of their issuance for Employment Pass (EP) holders, among others. Specifically, the MDEC announced that an i-KAD will only be issued to a Transfer of Endorsement applicant if the duration of the relevant EP is more than six months. Further, i-KAD holders are required to return the i-KAD to the Immigration Authority when the EP is canceled. If an i-KAD is stolen or misplaced, a new i-KAD will not be issued to the EP holder and the i-KAD holder must wait for a renewal of their EP or a Transfer of Endorsement to occur, when a new i-KAD would be issued. MDEC has also confirmed that, as of now, i-KADs will not be issued to EP holders who complete the pass endorsement at the State Immigration Department in the Malaysian state of Penang. The Expatriate Services Division (ESD) has not issued any information on these new rules, but it is possible that these rules could also be applicable to ESD-related companies. Fragomen will be monitoring updates from the authorities and will provide additional details on the i-KAD, on a case-to-case basis, as required.

The i-KAD card serves as an alternative official identification document to a valid passport, exclusively in West (Peninsular) Malaysia. Foreign nationals should still carry their original passports at all times in case authorities request it.