Latest news with #Padu
The Star
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Digital ID requires strong security measures
WHEN the government introduced the Central Database System (Padu), which integrates and stores the personal data of Malaysians, many questioned the security of such a system, particularly the measures in place to safeguard sensitive information. Now, with the introduction of MyDigital ID, these concerns are resurfacing. Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Full access to Web and App. RM 13.90/month RM 9.73 /month Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter. RM 12.39/month RM 8.63 /month Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt may make compulsory MyDigital ID registration
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering legislation to encourage, or make compulsory, MyDigital ID registration among Malaysians, the Dewan Rakyat heard yesterday. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the voluntary nature of registration had hindered uptake. "Encouraging wider adoption has been challenging due to its voluntary registration nature. This requires discussion, particularly on strategies to boost participation. "The government is exploring the option of introducing legislation that could promote or require Malaysians to register for MyDigital ID," she said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran). Kiandee said the recent autogate system glitch had sparked public concerns about the broader digital initiative, particularly on data privacy and security, the role of implementing agencies, digital accessibility and potential misuse. He also noted MyDigital ID's low adoption rate compared to platforms like Padu and Budi Madani. Dr Zaliha said the autogate incident had understandably raised worries among the public. "However, security measures are being strengthened for MyDigital ID, which ensures that security protocols are strictly maintained, data is not stored, and overall safety is prioritised." She said the government was working closely with various entities, including the private sector, to boost the adoption and utilisation of MyDigital ID across various services. Meanwhile, Dr Zaliha said registrations rose to 2.8 million as of the second quarter of this year, an increase from 1.8 million in the first quarter. "The number is expected to continue rising with the expansion of 'use case', referring to applications or services where MyDigital ID is used." She said this included logging into the MyGOV portal, the MyJPJ app and verification for prepaid SIM card owners. "This is because each new use case creates a demand for digital identity verification, thereby driving up registration among the public." Integrations have expanded to 35 government systems, with another 17 in the implementation stage and 21 in early discussions. "Seven non-government application systems have been integrated, with two more in the process, totalling 82 systems, nearly double March's figure." MyDigital ID will also extend to digital applications in the financial and banking sectors.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Government mulls law to encourage or make MyDigital ID registration compulsory
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering introducing legislation to encourage, or make compulsory, the registration of MyDigital ID among Malaysians, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said one of the key challenges at present is that registration remains voluntary, thus limiting uptake. "Encouraging wider adoption of MyDigital ID has been challenging due to its voluntary registration nature. This is one of the key issues that requires further discussion, particularly on strategies to boost citizen participation. "The government is currently exploring the option of introducing legislation that could either promote or require Malaysians to register for MyDigital ID," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran). Kiandee said the recent autogate system glitch had sparked public concerns about the broader digital initiative, particularly regarding data privacy and security, the role of implementing agencies, digital accessibility and the potential for misuse. He also raised the lower adoption rate for MyDigital ID, compared to other digital platforms like Padu and Budi Madani. Dr Zaliha said the recent incident has understandably raised worries among the public. "However, security measures are already being strengthened for MyDigital ID, which ensures that security protocols are strictly maintained, data is not stored and overall safety is prioritised." She said the government is working closely with various entities, including the private sector, to boost the adoption and utilisation of MyDigital ID across various services. Meanwhile, Dr Zaliha said 2.8 million Malaysians have registered for MyDigital ID as of the second quarter of this year, an increase from the 1.8 million registrations recorded in the first quarter. "The number is expected to continue rising with the expansion of "use case", referring to specific applications or services where MyDigital ID is used as a method of identity verification." She said this includes logging into the MyGOV portal, the MyJPJ app and verification for prepaid SIM card owners. "The more use cases introduced in both government and private sector systems and services, the greater the need for users to register for MyDigital ID. "This is because each new use case creates a demand for digital identity verification, thereby driving up registration among the public." She said the number of MyDigital ID integrations has also increased significantly to include 35 government application systems, with another 17 in the implementation stage and 21 in early discussions. "In addition, seven non-government application systems have successfully been integrated, with two more in the process, bringing the total number of integrations to 82 systems, nearly double the figure recorded in March." She said the use of the inclusivity of MyDigital ID will also extend to digital applications in the financial and banking sectors.
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SUPP Youth chief calls for clear plan before RON95 subsidy rationalisation
Lau says that although the government is confident in implementing the policy in the second half of the year, the lack of details remains a major concern. SIBU (July 2): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Youth chief Councillor Kevin Lau has urged the federal government to finalise a concrete, comprehensive, and well-prepared plan before implementing the RON95 petrol subsidy rationalisation. He stressed that the details must be clearly communicated prior to its rollout to avoid unnecessary confusion and burden among the public. Responding to comments by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan , Lau said that although the government is confident in implementing the policy in the second half of the year, the lack of details remains a major concern. Apart from the announcement that the MyKad identification system will be used for subsidy distribution, no further information has been released. 'Who exactly will be affected? Will it be the B40, M40, T20 or other related groups? If the government plans to classify the subsidy based on income groups, then clear criterion must be shared with the public,' he said. Lau also questioned whether the government has effectively utilised data collection through previous initiatives such as the Central Database Hub (Padu) system and its proposed integration with Digital Education Policy and Madani Subsidy Assistance (Budi Madani). 'Previously, the government made an aggressive push for data collection via Padu, saying it would be integrated with Budi Madani. Has this data actually been utilised to support subsidy implementation? 'If not properly implemented, the policy could end up placing burden on the people.' Lau, who is SUPP Bawang Assan chairman, also mentioned that the people are still adapting to the newly implemented e-invoicing policy and the expansion of scope for Sales and Services Tax (SST). He stressed that the people should be given some breathing space, and introducing the subsidy rationalisation in the second half of the year could further burden the public. He also questioned whether the government could guarantee that the subsidy rationalisation would benefit all intended target groups. 'Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that RON95 subsidy rationalisation will not affect low-income groups. 'But what about the middle-income group? How will they be addressed? All groups are facing economic pressures – are they not going to be affected too?' He noted that the vast majority of road users rely on RON95 petrol, making it a necessity for most people. He said although the previous targeted diesel subsidy policy did not include East Malaysia, there were still indirect effects, particularly with increased logistics and transportation costs. 'Additionally, sectors such as taxi drivers, e-hailing drivers, and food delivery riders will also be impacted by changes in the RON95 petrol policy. 'In Sarawak, transportation costs already make the cost of living higher than in Peninsular Malaysia. Coupled with the rising prices of goods, people are facing significantly more economic pressure,' he added. Kevin Lau petrol subsidy rationalisation RON95 SUPP
The Star
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Experts: Adopt diesel template
Scheme's success shows benefits of phased, well-planned rollout PETALING JAYA: With the impending rationalisation of the RON95 petrol subsidy, experts from the economic and industry sectors have called on the government to draw lessons from diesel rationalisation to ensure inclusive and widespread acceptance. They stressed the need for clear criteria and a robust verification system to avoid public confusion. With this rationalisation impacting a broader section of society, continuous feedback and transparent processes are vital to ensure the subsidies reach those most in need. Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology's Centre for Business and Policy Research chairman Assoc Prof Dr Foo Lee Peng said the phased introduction of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) 2.0 helped reduce leakages and refine delivery mechanisms. 'The pilot rollout in February, followed by expansion in March, gave the government time to adjust its approach and manage disruptions,' she said. However, she noted that reforming RON95 subsidies will require stronger public engagement, clearer messaging and inclusive delivery. 'Digital platforms like the Central Database Hub (Padu) can support targeting, but must be complemented by offline support to avoid excluding rural and low-income communities,' she said. Prof Foo urged the government to reframe subsidy rationalisation not as cost-cutting, but as part of a broader national strategy to strengthen governance, reduce the fiscal deficit and pave the way for reforms such as a carbon tax. She proposed a hybrid model that combines income-based eligibility, vehicle profiling and digital systems. She said digital delivery must be integrated with existing databases from the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Statistics Department, while offline channels should remain available to ensure no one is left behind. Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the diesel rollout offered a strong example of how good governance and planning can support targeted assistance. 'Producers, suppliers and retailers must fully understand the mechanism and be equipped to deliver it effectively,' he said. He said a combination of needs- and income-based criteria could help strike a fair balance between reducing government spending and easing the cost-of-living burden on vulnerable groups. He added that the choice of delivery mechanism – whether through petrol cards, MyKad-based systems or direct cash transfers – must be evaluated for ease of implementation, cost-effectiveness, administrative efficiency and its ability to minimise abuse and leakages. Economist Dr Geoffrey Williams described the diesel rationalisation as 'completely successful'. 'It reset the system by requiring re-registration, which alone was enough to eliminate misuse by ineligible individuals,' he said. He said there was 'almost no pushback' and strong stakeholder buy-in, while savings were nearly double what was anticipated. 'This equates to 2.2% of operational expenditure or 8.7% of development spending – a major contribution,' he said. For RON95, he recommended a tiered pricing system similar to electricity tariffs. 'Consumers receive full subsidy for small volumes. As usage increases, the subsidy tapers off. Beyond a set threshold, they pay full market price,' he said. This approach, he added, is simpler, fairer and mostly spares low-income groups, while encouraging more efficient fuel use – which also benefits the environment. Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders president Datuk Tony Chia called for a review of the outdated traditional income categories like B40, M40 and T20 to reflect the current cost of living. Reflecting on the Budi Madani scheme for diesel, Chia said logistics players had to ensure accurate vehicle registration, which, while administratively burdensome, improved transparency and fleet management. 'Similar controls for RON95 could affect the private transport and ride-hailing sectors. Early engagement with stakeholders is crucial to ensure smooth transitions,' he said. Chia recommended using income tax data to determine subsidy eligibility, urging readiness to identify relevant individual data. He cautioned against state-level implementation due to worker mobility, which could complicate matters. To encourage responsible usage, Chia suggested capping the subsidy at RM1,000 for those commuting long distances, with market prices applying beyond this limit. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Faculty of Education, Language and Communication senior lecturer Chuah Kee Man suggested leveraging lessons from the Budi Madani scheme to enhance the RON95 subsidy system. 'By linking RON95 subsidies directly with MySejahtera or e-wallets, we could reduce fraud and expedite payments,' he said. This integration, he said, could facilitate rapid verification and instant notifications, benefiting both the government and users by tracking fuel usage patterns effectively. With the broader use of RON95 compared to diesel, Chuah said it raised significant data accuracy concerns. 'Some people might fall through the cracks or misuse the system,' he said, recommending cross-referencing data with LHDN or JPJ databases. He also cautioned that using MyKad at petrol stations might create bottlenecks, disadvantaging households with shared resources. Advocating for a hybrid approach, Chuah also proposed automatic eligibility for known low-income households alongside an appeal system for others, such as gig workers or those recently retrenched. 'Digital tools must be backed with human checks to ensure no one deserving is left out,' he said, underscoring the need for manual reviews and compassionate discretion for cases that algorithms might overlook.
