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Press Release: A Safe, Secure And Protected National Digital ID Framework For Malaysia Is Underway

06 Jan 2020
A SAFE, SECURE AND PROTECTED NATIONAL DIGITAL ID FRAMEWORK FOR MALAYSIA IS UNDERWAY 
 
  • A comprehensive study on user centric National Digital ID has commenced on 21 November 2019
  • A National Digital ID Study Task Force, co-chaired by the Secretary General of the Communications & Multimedia Ministry and MCMC Chairman is overseeing the progress of the study 
 
CYBERJAYA, 6 January 2020 --- A comprehensive study to establish a user centric National Digital Identity (ID) framework for Malaysians has commenced on 21 November 2019.  
 
The National Digital ID Study Task Force, co-chaired by the SecretaryGeneral of Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Dato’ Suriani Dato’ Ahmad and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak, will oversee the 30-week study which will recommend the implementation model of Digital ID in Malaysia. 

 “We are taking a consultative and collaborative approach to the study particularly by working together with relevant stakeholders, in getting their views on potential use cases for the national digital ID platform. This is important to ensure user centricity in designing the framework for Malaysians,” said Al-Ishsal. 

The study’s primary focus includes local contextual analysis, implementation strategy, operating model, technology and enabling policies as well as related legislations.  

The recommendations of the task force will also take into consideration aspects such as existing ID programmes, while leveraging on their strengths and opportunities, existing legal framework, security, privacy and ethics. 

“Today, as technology forms an integral part of our lives, the need for a safe, secure and protected National Digital ID platform has become both an essential and attractive proposition. A National Digital ID serves as a secure and trusted digital credential as well as a platform for authentication that can improve convenience, promote inclusivity, reduce cost of access to services, and enhance service delivery to Malaysians where online transactions are concerned.  We expect the final report of the study to be ready by 30 June 2020 and we will put forward our recommendations to the cabinet for further action,” said Al-Ishsal. 
 
YB Gobind Singh Deo, the Minister of Communications and Multimedia mooted the idea to establish a National Digital ID in October 2018. Subsequently, on 8 May 2019, the Cabinet approval was obtained to begin a comprehensive study of the National Digital ID framework. The mandate was given to MCMC to recommend the workable model with further steps for the implementation of the National Digital ID. 
 
The National Digital ID is an effort by the Government to enable Malaysians to embrace the rise of digital services. It will be an advanced method of authenticating a user’s identity online, where it is safe, secure and protected. It is not a substitute for the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC), nor will it be compulsory for everyone.  
 
For a better understanding of National Digital ID, watch the following video at the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLWitDJ8IF0 
 
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