MyDigital ID serves as an online identification with a secure authentication method, but it does not replace MyKad for physical counter transactions.
Among the benefits of MyDigital ID are valid and secure self-authentication, a single sign-on facility for a variety of applications, safe, fast, and easy online transactions, easier access to online government services, a reduction in the risk of online identity fraud, and the elimination of various online identification methods.
Mohd Mirza Mohamed Noor, CEO of My Digital ID Sdn Bhd, explains further in his interview with The Iskandarian.
What sets MyDigital ID apart from other digital identification systems available?
MyDigital ID is the first of its platforms in terms of offering such services to Malaysians and acts like a single sign-on authentication.
The single, unified National Digital ID would eliminate the need to register different accounts when dealing with various online government platforms, and you could access all services with just a single ID. For the private sector, MyDigital ID can offer a seamless and secure electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) process that eliminates the need for over-the-counter physical IC and fingerprint verification.
This would be a game changer for digital banks, as new unbanked customers will be able to create a savings account without the hassle of physical IC verification.
Security and fraud are highly discussed topics, how exactly does MyDigital ID ensure security and protect users’ privacy?
Some of the key features and benefits MyDigital ID boasts in terms of security includes:
1. MyDigital ID’s key feature includes a single identification; enabling Malaysians to have access to all government and private digital services.
2. The platform is established in a trusted digital ecosystem, where a secure and reliable environment for digital interactions exists.
3. MyDigital ID also features a high security platform, providing trusted identity authentication based on the user’s password and unique device physicality.
4. Secure identity management – user-specific certificate signing request and receipt by certificate authorities.
5. Android and iOS compatible – the security characteristics of both mobile operating systems.
6. Security – Protects against phishing attacks, ensuring irrefutable authentication outcomes.
7. Privacy – Digital certificates ensure a minimal privacy footprint as they do not require real-time access to a centralised identity management system.
8. Acceptability – Leverages the assurance and ubiquity of MyKad to undertake authentication and digital signing of transactions at the national level.
9. Legality – Complies with the Signature Act 1997, the Electronic Commerce Act 2006, and the Personal Data Protection Act 2010.
What measures are in place to prevent fraud or misuse of MyDigital IDs?
The establishment of MyDigital ID is to first and foremost prevent any form of identity fraud or misuse by any irresponsible parties. The service provided through the MyDigital ID platform has a zero data retention policy.
Any data that is still in transit will be encrypted and therefore useless to anyone who wants to steal your identity. Time and time again, we have reiterated and want to reassure Malaysians that our digital identification platform is secure.
MyDigital ID ensures that we do not store any of your data. Whenever data comes to us for processing, we just push it away.
Why is it crucial for Malaysians to register with MyDigital ID? How significant will this platform be for citizens?
Extensive internet usage and the growing popularity of digital devices and services have led to a significant rise in digital identities.
Moreover, with over 90% of government services available online and a considerable number of commercial and business activities conducted via the internet, it is critical for Malaysia to establish a reliable digital authentication platform to enable individuals, organisations, and government agencies to carry out online transactions and service deliveries swiftly, seamlessly, securely, and efficiently.*
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of establishing a centralised digital ID platform.
Post pandemic, both public and private organisations were forced to adopt new norms and practices to work and do business.
Many government functions and services and business activities, such as retail, banking, insurance, education, and individual activities, had to move online, leading to a substantial increase in the number of digital identities and digital ID service providers.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, at the Special Committee Meeting to Address Congestion at the Johor Causeway, announced that, beginning 1st June, Malaysians can use QR codes (through MySejahtera and MyDigital ID) instead of a passport for immigration clearance at (the CIQ) BSI and KSAB.
a) How will this be implemented?
Malaysians travelling to Singapore can begin using Quick Response (QR) codes for Immigration clearance at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), starting 1st June 2024.
It was also recently announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof that the first phase of the QR code implementation will involve Malaysians travelling to Singapore by bus at BSI and motorcyclists using the automated MBike Immigration clearance system at KSAB.
The trial run of the first phase will take place over a three-month period before the system is expanded to private vehicle users under the second phase, followed by Singaporeans and other nationalities.
Mydigital ID will be used as a login into the QR service provision application to ensure users are legitimate, especially for Malaysian citizens
What is the significance of this implementation? Is there a target achievement of waiting time expected to be reduced through the implementation?
Starting 1st of June, Malaysians can use QR codes instead of a passport for immigration clearance at (the CIQ) BSI and KSAB.
The implementation of the system will reduce the waiting time for bus commuters at BSI during peak hours from 120 minutes to 15 minutes—an 83% savings.
MyDigital ID can be used to verify users, which MyDigital will verify through eKYC and cross-check with the main database which is Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara.
Are there any other future collaborations that MyDigital ID will be announcing? Will we see a similar implementation in Johor in other states as well?
We are certainly pleased to announce our partnership with Tealive and Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara. This partnership marks another significant milestone for us towards achieving the journey of secure and seamless digital identity solutions.
With this partnership, we not only want to ensure convenience for Malaysians but also underscore our dedication to shaping a digital ecosystem that prioritises security.
Additionally, financial institutions and e-wallet services have also shown keen interest in becoming part of this journey, and ultimately, each party sees it as a way to prevent fraudulent transactions.
Some institutions have even expressed interest in integrating their services with MyDigital ID within the next six months.
We hope to certainly provide further updates on our partnerships in the coming months.
How soon will MyDigital ID be integrated into everyday transactions and interactions, such as government services or online purchases?
Currently, MyDigital ID login has been integrated with government services such as MySejahtera, MyGov Portal and HRMIS. MyDigital ID is also in the final stages of integration with the MyJPJ and PADU applications
We certainly hope that more organisations will step forward and be part of this digital journey with us.
The platform will also see integration with more government services in the near future. – We have also seen interest from various financial institutions and e-wallet services and it is our hope that we can begin integrating their services with MyDigital ID within the next six months.
[*Source – Malaysian National Digital Identity (NDID) Programme]
