Malaysia

Netizens bash new MySJ function on MySejahtera, fear for data privacy

Geolocation function, Bluetooth requirement has users worried for both security, battery life

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 31 Dec 2021 6:00PM

Netizens bash new MySJ function on MySejahtera, fear for data privacy
A Health Ministry spokesman assures that all MySejahtera user data has not been compromised or hacked by any party. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, December 31, 2021

by Aiman Sadiq Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR – The MySJ Trace function in the MySejahtera app recently introduced by the government has received criticism from netizens since last night, with some concerned about intrusion of privacy.

Twitter searches found the majority of netizens expressing concerns that their personal data would be hacked if the application’s new function was used, Getaran reported.

“MySJ Trace could lead to an intrusion of personal information. I don’t have the confidence to use its latest functionality. I will not be using it because it can track my every step,” said Faiz Yahaya.

“I was not satisfied when I found out that I would need to turn on my location to use the latest function (MySJ Trace). This alone proves that people will know our location at all times.

“Although it is convenient, I will not use it as it breaches my privacy,” Jannah Azli said on Twitter.

Some individuals also expressed dissatisfaction with the MySJ Trace function as the Bluetooth function must be turned on at all times, which they say is impractical.

“If I have to keep my Bluetooth turned on at all times, my battery life will die out quickly. I am very confused with the government’s action with the MySJ Trace function and it is totally impractical too,” said Rahim Seradin. 

“I used MySJ Trace last night when I left my phone in the living room. What’s weird was that I was informed that I had four interactions despite none of my family using the function yet and I had not left the house too. I’m very confused,” Wayne Lee said. 

“The new function in MySejahtera is so ridiculous. I just activated it (MySJTrace), and suddenly I was notified that there were already two interactions even though I was home alone. What is this nonsense?” asked Safri Ahmad on Twitter. 

Meanwhile, a Health Ministry spokesman assured that all MySejahtera user data has not been compromised or hacked by any party. 

He said that the MySJ Trace is a mobile contact tracing function developed by the Malaysian government. 

“MySJ Trace is a complement to the MySejahtera app in order to track contacts and identify users if they have close contact with others who have been tested positive for Covid-19. 

“The government guarantees that any information collected and used will comply with the information security standards of the Malaysian government.”

Previously, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry said the MySJ Trace function was developed to meet the needs of the Find, Trace, Test, Isolate and Support (FTTIS) programme to prevent and control the spread of Covid-19. 

This step was made to ensure the effectiveness of close contact detection activities on positive Covid-19 infection cases, added Mosti. – The Vibes, December 31, 2021

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