Renewing My IC During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Life is no longer the same ever since COVID-19. Everything has changed and that includes the IC renewal process. On a side note, I honestly have lost track of all these PKP, PKPD, PKPB, PKPP, and whatever PKP that our government has imposed that I vehemently called all these PKP as "PK PK la sendiri."

Anyway, I went to renew my IC at the nearest JPN during this one PKP (not sure which one) but I remember it was Ramadan because I was about to start my new job and I needed a new IC. Truthfully, it was a long time coming because I haven't changed my IC since I was 18 and the chip on my IC did not work so well. Like, I literally had to put my IC on the card reader a few times every time I went to the bank or passed through the TnG toll booths. Not fun at all.

I booked my appointment on the MyJanjiTemu website. Based on my experience, the website will only allow you to book a slot for that day itself and you have to book it before 9am. I book mine before sahur for an appointment at 4pm. My dad was not too happy because my appointment was close to the closing time 😒

Tip: No additional documents are needed if you're renewing your IC due to a damaged chip.

The actual process at the JPN itself was seamless. The Rela guys checked my appointment before I was allowed to go in and then I had to take a number. There were not too many people because everything was on an appointment basis. The waiting time however was a tad long for my liking.

The officer in charge was nice enough to ask me if I was okay with my picture before she proceeded with the process 👍 She even allowed me to smile and kept asking if I really wanted to smile in the picture. I had to tell her that I needed to smile because I have an RBF and I am aware that if I were to renew my passport at Immigration, I am not allowed to smile in the picture 😊

After everything was done, I was given a slip as a temporary identification paper. I was told that I could pick up my IC after 2 weeks, (I miss Putrajaya so much for I can get the IC on the same day 😭) but my IC was ready before the 2 weeks. Think my dad helped me to pick up my IC after a week?

Tip: If your IC works as your Touch 'n Go card and you still have a remaining balance but you don't know the card number, do tell the officer that you need the serial card number so that you can ask for a refund from Touch 'n Go.

I now have a new, functional IC where I look my age and I don't have to keep rubbing the chip with an eraser every time I go to a bank or retail store 😆