With January 2026 now behind us, the year is well underway. Before we get too deep into the months ahead, here’s a recap of some key new policies introduced in 2026 that Malaysians should be aware of—so nothing important slips through the cracks.

MyKasih login update

Image Credit: MyKasih

Since 1 January 2026, the MyKasih app has implemented email OTP (one‑time passcode) as its authentication method for subsequent logins, replacing SMS OTP for regular access. This move aims to provide a more secure and reliable login experience.

Do note that users will still receive an SMS OTP for first‑time logins. After that, email OTPs will be sent to your verified email address each time you log in.

For more information, visit the MyKasih website.

Police summons discount structure updated

Image Credit: Harian Metro

2026 has also brought changes to PDRM and JPJ summons payments, with a new standardised tiered structure that rewards early payment and penalises delays.

2026 summons payment structure:

• 50% discount for payments made within 1–15 days from the date of issuance
• 33% discount for payments made within 16–30 days
• No discount (full amount payable) for payments made within 31–60 days
• No discount + enforcement action (including blacklisting and court action) for payments made after 61 days

RM150 School Aid (BAP)

Image Credit: FMT

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Bantuan Awal Persekolahan (BAP) of RM150 would be distributed in stages starting 13 January 2026 to all school students up to Form Six.

The aid is meant to help parents cover early schooling expenses and must be collected in person at schools.

2026 EV road tax introduced

Image Credit: MGTC

2026 also marks the end of tax‑free motoring for electric vehicle (EV) owners in Malaysia, with the government introducing road tax for EVs, starting from as low as RM20 per year.

According to The Sun, the new road tax structure is based on motor output (kW) rather than engine displacement, which is used for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

SST tax scope updated

Effective 1 January 2026, the Ministry of Finance Malaysia announced updates to the Sales and Service Tax (SST) scope to ease business costs, help stabilise prices of essential goods, and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Key updates include:

• Service tax on rental and leasing services reduced to 6%
• Service tax exemption threshold for MSMEs raised to RM1.5 million annually
• One‑year service tax exemption on rental and leasing services for newly established MSMEs
• Sales tax exemption on critical raw materials and manufacturing inputs, including animal feed, fertilisers, and pesticides

New MyKad & passport design

Image Credit: Malay Mail

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced that the government will be introducing redesigned MyKad and Malaysian passports featuring enhanced security elements.

The rollout is expected to take place towards the end of Q2 or the beginning of Q3 2026, as both documents are considered critical national security instruments.

Littering fines in Kuala Lumpur

Image Credit: NST

Be mindful when disposing of rubbish, as offenders can now be fined up to RM2,000 and sentenced to more than 12 hours of community service over six months if caught littering or spitting in public areas around Kuala Lumpur.

Since the policy came into effect on 1 January 2026, 42 notices have been issued. Of these, 24 cases involved Malaysian citizens, while 18 involved foreign nationals, according to The Star.

Social media ban for under‑16s

Malaysia is moving towards restricting social media access for children under 16, following similar steps taken by Australia.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a Code of Practice, outlining responsibilities for social media and messaging platforms. These include implementing age‑verification measures, strengthening parental controls, and improving safety tools for young users.

Featured Image Credit: Focus, NST