"People like the security provided by the chip technology; for the ATM feature there are two keys for security checks - one is a bank key and one is a government key, so the card cannot be cloned like the old bank cards.

"The smartcard makes it easier to deal with any government department, and not only do the citizens get faster service, government employees are more productive."

The MyKad card is the size of a credit card embedded with an ATMEL 64Kb EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) chip with embedded PKI.

The card works as a national identification card and driver's licence, passport and e-purse that is accepted at government agencies, restaurants, clinics and petrol stations in designated areas and can be used to store e-cash for tollways, car parking, bus fares and light rail.

Azizan said using chip and biometric technology ensures data on the card is kept accurate and secure.