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Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Government may introduce law to make MyDigital ID mandatory, says minister
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 By: Minderjeet Kaur, Shermaine Choe, FMT Text Size: Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the MyDigital ID system uses biometric and cryptographic technologies to ensure security and prevent data breaches. Kuala Lumpur: The government is considering introducing a law to regulate and boost the MyDigital ID system to tackle the scepticism surrounding the initiative, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the current voluntary registration model for the digital ID system was a limitation that the government was looking to address. Advertisement 'Right now the government is looking at the possibility of formulating an Act for MyDigital ID, to potentially make it mandatory for people to sign up,' she said. Zaliha was responding to a supplementary question from Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran), who had raised concerns about public confidence in the initiative. Kiandee cited the recent disruption of the autogate system at the Johor customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex, which he said was linked to integration issues, as an example of what could erode public trust. 'Three days ago, we were informed about a disruption to the autogate system at the Johor CIQ, which was said to have been caused by the integration system. 'Actually, this is a concern for Malaysians and the public regarding the initiative. There are concerns about privacy and security, the reliability of digital infrastructure and the implementing agencies, and the potential for misuse,' he said. Kiandee also noted that only 2.8 million Malaysians had registered for MyDigital ID as of the second quarter of 2025 – less than the number of those who had signed up for other government initiatives like PADU and Budi. MyDigital ID is a national digital identification initiative developed in 2016, aimed at providing a secure and authenticated method for verifying identities online. The system is intended for use across both public and private sectors to verify user identities during online transactions. Zaliha said the government did not store users' personal data, and that the MyDigital ID system used biometric and cryptographic technologies to ensure security and prevent data breaches. She also said the government was working with stakeholders to boost adoption of the platform. 'We are encouraging cooperation with all parties, including the private sector,' she said. Earlier, Zaliha said that the number of government and non-government systems integrated with MyDigital ID had nearly doubled to 82 since March. She said the platform would continue expanding its use across both public and private sectors, including the financial industry where six banks have completed sandbox testing under Bank Negara Malaysia. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Targeted SST expansion to curb price cascading effect, says Amir Hamzah
KUALA LUMPUR: The expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) scope is designed to minimise the cascading effect on goods prices by focusing on specific items rather than imposing a blanket increase, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. He emphasised that daily necessities remain unaffected, ensuring public affordability. Amir Hamzah highlighted the government's careful approach, referencing the March 2023 SST rate adjustment from six to eight per cent, which had no significant inflationary impact. 'Malaysia's inflation stood at 2.0 per cent last year, proving our measures are manageable,' he said during the *Keluar Sekejap* podcast hosted by Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan. The minister defended the targeted expansion, stating it allows the government to assist vulnerable groups effectively. 'Selective implementation ensures relief reaches the right segments,' he said, citing the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme's expansion from 700,000 to 5.4 million recipients as proof of redistributive benefits. On RON95 subsidy rationalisation, Amir Hamzah confirmed discussions are ongoing, with the Central Database Hub (PADU) likely to determine eligibility thresholds. 'A higher initial cut-off line is probable, with details to be finalised by Cabinet,' he added, expecting implementation before year-end. - Bernama
BusinessToday
27-06-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Finance Minister II, Amir Hamzah To Helm Duties At Economic Ministry
Following the recent resignation of Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli, the Chief Secretary of the Government has announced that Amir Hamzah will take over the duties at the Economic Ministry. Rafizi's departure came after his defeat in his party's internal election. Amir Hamzah's appointment to this critical role was reportedly discussed and approved during a recent Cabinet meeting, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim giving his endorsement. The Prime Minister himself was instrumental in bringing Hamzah into the administration last year, signaling confidence in his capabilities. Amir Hamzah faces an immediate and significant challenge: to review and revamp the framework for the 13th Malaysia Plan, which is slated to be tabled in Parliament on July 30. This ambitious economic blueprint will require swift and decisive action. Beyond the 13th Malaysia Plan, Hamzah will also inherit a range of unfinished business left by his predecessor, Rafizi Ramli. These include the contentious petrol subsidy rationalization program, which has been a subject of public debate, and the comprehensive PADU (Pangkalan Data Utama) central database mechanism, a flagship initiative aimed at streamlining social protection and subsidy distribution. However, the statement issued by the Chief Secretary of the Government did not clarify the precise nature of Amir Hamzah's role within the Economic Ministry. It remains unconfirmed whether he will be appointed as a full Minister or will serve in an interim capacity to manage the existing portfolio and clear the backlog of ongoing projects. Related
