Malaysia will soon introduce its National Digital Identity which offers a secure and trusted digital credential for online transactions and services. The MCMC is currently overseeing a 30-week study which has commenced in 21st November 2019.
The study’s primary focus includes local contextual analysis, implementation strategy, operating model, technology and enabling policies as well as related legislation. The National Digital ID Study 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.
According to MCMC Chairman Al-Ishsal, the commission is 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 will ensure user-centricity in designing the framework for Malaysians.
The Digital ID is not a replacement for the current physical National Registration Identification Card (NRIC) and it won’t be compulsory for everyone. It will serve as an advanced identity authentication method for online usage. This will allow greater convenience for applications that typically require a physical IC and fingerprint authentication. Imagine being able to renew your passport, apply for financial services, signing up as a verified e-commerce seller or e-hailing driver with a Digital ID instead of presenting a copy of your original IC.
In addition, the ID could potentially serve as a single sign-on for all online government platforms which is similar to “Sign-in with Google.” Once the study is completed, the recommendation will be submitted to Cabinet for further approval.
The Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Gobind Singh Deo, had first mooted the idea to establish a National Digital ID in October 2018. The Minister added that the National ID will be developed as a “platform of trust” which can help curb cyber fraud and cheating cases. The Cabinet had approved the comprehensive study of the National ID framework in May 2019 and the MCMC was given the mandate to recommend a workable model and next steps required to implement the National Digital ID.
