Mohd Mirza at the MyDigital ID booth at the Program MADANI Rakyat 2024 Sayangi Sabah.
KOTA KINABALU (Oct 20): In today’s interconnected world, digital identities are crucial for verifying who you are online.
Malaysia is among the countries implementing digital identity systems, having introduced MyDigital ID in November 2023. Its rollout has gained momentum over the past few months.
Mohd Mirza Mohamed Noor, Chief Executive Officer of MyDigital ID Sdn Bhd, said that over one million users have registered for MyDigital ID in the past 11 months, with a target of reaching 10 million by year-end.
“MyDigital ID is essentially a digital key, a verification system for digital services. It does not store personal data or track users. Even if you change devices, your information remains secure because you will use a single ID across all applications,” he explained.
Currently, MyDigital ID has been integrated with various platforms, including the Human Resources Management Information System (HRMIS) Mobile, MySejahtera, the MyGov portal and MyJPJ.
“Over one million users have registered for MyDigital ID, with 60 per cent from the members of the public and 40 per cent from civil service personnel. Our goal is to reach at least 10 million users by the end of 2024, especially as MyJPJ is already popular with 10 million users,” he added.
In an exclusive interview with The Borneo Post during the Program MADANI Rakyat 2024 Sayangi Sabah (PMR 2024), Mohd Mirza acknowledged the challenges of encouraging widespread adoption despite the noble intentions behind MyDigital ID.
“Scepticism often accompanies new technology. We understand this, which is why we are collaborating with banks, having already received commitments from 16 financial institutions in Malaysia. Their security reputation helps us build trust,” he noted.
By the end of 2025, the aim is to have all Malaysians registered with MyDigital ID.
Addressing concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity, Mohd Mirza emphasised that the MyDigital ID application will serve as a central platform for government services. This will eliminate the need for multiple platforms and passwords, thus protecting Malaysians from online fraud, identity theft and cyberbullying.
“Since each MyDigital ID is linked to a single person, the real identity is verifiable. If everyone registers, we can prevent identity theft and cyberbullying effectively.
“This concept is similar to banking systems, where even new account registrations require identity verification,” he stated.
During the presentation of Budget 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that MyDigital ID will be the central application for various government agencies, including the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and the PADU centralised database.
With MyDigital ID, Malaysians will no longer need to navigate different platforms with various passwords; just one verification system will suffice for all digital government services.
The implementation of MyDigital ID marks a significant step toward a more user-friendly and secure digital environment, aligning with the government’s vision of leveraging technology to empower its citizens.
“As of today, we still face the inconvenience of going to government offices for payments, but with MyDigital ID, verification and payments can be made online at your fingertips.
“This will enhance service efficiency through increased flexibility, convenience and security, which aren’t limited to standard working hours. This will also boost government productivity and reduce costs,” he added.
With over 2,000 government applications currently in use, Mohd Mirza believes that digital ID is the crucial missing link not just in Malaysia, but globally.
“MyDigital ID fills this gap, streamlining government digitalisation efforts. From the government’s perspective, operational costs will decrease and productivity will rise.
“For the people, it empowers individuals by giving them control over their digital identities. Even government cannot decide on your behalf. Because you hold the key of your digital ID,” he said.
According to Mohd Mirza, each MyDigital ID will come with a digital certificate, with costs for Malaysians borne entirely by the government.
To register, users can download the MyDigital ID app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and sign up without needing to visit kiosks. After registration, Malaysians can easily log into various apps and portals using just one verification system, simplifying access management.