Government announces approval of the National Digital ID initiative

The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia today revealed that it will spearhead the Government’s National Digital Identity initiative (National ID), which has been approved by the Cabinet.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo announced this at the launch of the Perkhidmatan eDagang Setempat (PeDAS) in Selangor, and added that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will conduct a detailed nine-month study on the implementation model starting in September.

The study will identify a holistic National Digital ID framework and include recommendations on appropriate implementation models to the Government, taking into account the existing MyKad and private infrastructure, among other factors. The Government, private and academic sectors will also be involved in the study.

According to a statement by the Ministry, the National Digital ID is “an advanced method of authenticating a user’s identity online”, and is not a substitute for the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC), nor will it be compulsory for everyone.

The National Digital ID will be convenient for the public as they “no longer have to remember different usernames and passwords for various services” or carry multiple tokens for digital transactions, said the Ministry, adding that the National Digital ID promises secure access across multiple platforms.

“Whether it is a user setting up an account for the first time, logging in to obtain Government service or do business or making a digital payment, National Digital ID enables the digital service providers to make highly accurate trust decisions in real time,” stated the Ministry.

Source: TheStar