iKad for migrant workers
Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) viewing samples of i-Pass issued to foreign workers with PNMB managing director Izham Yusoff (centre) and PNMB graphic security designer Razlan Abdullah at PNMB headquarters in Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur, yesterday.
(NST) – The Immigration Department will introduce an improved iKad with enhanced security features for all 2.5 million foreign workers in the country from Nov 15.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the iKad would include a barcode, cardholder’s biometric information and would be colour-coded according to sector for easier identification.
“It will replace the need for foreign workers to carry passports to prove they are legal labourers.
“With the improved security features, it will ensure that enforcement is effective and strengthened.”
He said this after launching the Tafsir Al-Quran Ar-Rahman at Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Bhd (PNMB) headquarters here yesterday.
The sophisticated card can store more data compared to previous identification documents and can be easily examined by security authorities, Zahid said.
“Authorities will continue to haul up illegal foreign workers, even after issuing the iKad.”
The card will be issued in stages to the first batch of 646,000 foreign workers.
“The iKad will also be issued to firearm licensees, Rela and Civil Defence Department members, foreign students, Rakan Muda and Rakan Cop members.”
He said the cards would be produced by PNMB and the cost of the card would be borne by the applicants.
Commenting on the RM1.3 million loss of Royal Malaysian Police assets, Zahid said a surcharge would be levied to the personnel responsible for the missing items.
“I agree with the Auditor-General’s Report. We do not want this to be repeated and the police must remember not to be negligent.”
He said the loss of assets were not because of a breach of trust, misappropriation or graft.
Also at the launch event were Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and PNMB chairman Tan Sri Dr Zulkifli A. Hassan.
