As at the end of July this year, 5.7 million of the government multi purpose cards has been produced and adding to this number soon is my very own MyKad.

MyKad, one of the flag-ship applications of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), carries four government applications namely Identification, driving license, immigration and health information.

It also offers three private sector features and they are the Malaysian Electronic Payment System Cash, Touch ‘n’ Go, and automated teller machine (ATM).

Expecting a smaller turnout of MyKad applications during the fasting month, I made a trip to the National Registration Department office early this week with two colleagues.

The application process went quite well without the long wait. Yet what surprised me was the fact that I was advised by the department personnel manning the MyKad photo station to change my light-coloured headscarf and choose from a selection of brightly coloured ones provided by the department for loan to the public.

I was told that the background of the picture for MyKad is white and hence a brightly coloured headscarf or blouse or shirt would accentuate the face similar to how make up is used to bring out certain facial features.

The colleagues who came with me, meanwhile, were advised to borrow two jackets for the same purpose.

Another surprise that awaited me was when I was told to pay a RM30 fine for not claiming an identity card from an earlier application. You see, I made an application for a new IC about four years ago to register a change in my address, but completely forgot to claim the card.

With a little cash in hand, I asked the personnel if there was an ATM nearby and that was when she promptly informed me that the department accepts payment via credit cards.

Though used to swiping those plastic wonders for making purchases, using a credit card to pay the Government somehow felt a bit strange to me.

By the time I was done smiling at the camera, a warm feeling came over me as I knew I had done my duty as a citizen.

For those of you without a MyKad, rather than wait close to the deadline in 2005 and be caught in mad rush to apply for it, perhaps it is a good idea to use one day from the long leave during the coming festive seasons to do so.

And yes, make sure you wear something bright.