KUALA LUMPUR – The aspect of people’s data security is the government’s main focus in developing the National Digital Identity framework, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
He said the Communications and Multimedia Ministry will ensure a high level of trust among the people towards the technology introduced before moving to undertake digital transformation.
“The ministry is using a technologically neutral approach of adopting any suitable, latest technology, but the matter is still being discussed because it involves government affairs and people’s safety.
“God willing, the Home Ministry will ensure there is no data leakage,” he said during question time at the Dewan Negara sitting today.
He said this in response to a supplementary question from Senator Alan Ling Sie Kiong on the possible use of new technology, such as blockchain, to complement the development mechanism of the National Digital Identity.
The National Digital Identity involves electronic verification of an individual’s identity based on biometric characteristics such as fingerprints, faces, and irises, and demographic information such as names and dates of birth.
Saifuddin said a task force led by the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (Mampu), in collaboration with National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) and CyberSecurity Malaysia, has been formed to find the best solution in terms of data security.
Earlier, in reply to Alan’s original question on the extent of the National Digital Identity initiative implementation to curb cyber-related issues, Saifuddin said it has the potential to prevent online forgery and identity fraud.
On the initiative’s role in fulfilling digital needs, especially in the public and private services, Saifuddin said identity verification can be made online in a quick, easy, safe and guaranteed manner, in addition to one’s physical MyKad.
“The National Digital Identity is important to enable the connectivity of various transaction systems to facilitate users anytime, anywhere,” he added. – Bernama, December 21, 2020
