KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 6): A comprehensive study to establish a user centric national digital identity (ID) framework for Malaysians has commenced on Nov 21.

The National Digital ID Study Task Force, co-chaired by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry secretary-general Datuk Suriani Ahmad and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak, will oversee the 30-week study, which will recommend the implementation model of digital ID in Malaysia.

"We expect the final report of the study to be ready by June 30 and we will put forward our recommendations to the Cabinet for further action,” said Al-Ishsal in a statement today.

“We are taking a consultative and collaborative approach to the study, particularly by working together with relevant stakeholders in getting their views on potential use cases for the national digital ID platform. This is important to ensure user centricity in designing the framework for Malaysians,” he added.

The study’s primary focus includes local contextual analysis, implementation strategy, operating model, technology and enabling policies, as well as related legislations.

The recommendations of the task force will also take into consideration aspects such as existing ID programmes, while leveraging on their strengths and opportunities, existing legal framework, security, privacy and ethics.

“Today, as technology forms an integral part of our lives, the need for a safe, secure and protected national digital ID platform has become both an essential and attractive proposition.

"A national digital ID serves as a secure and trusted digital credential as well as a platform for authentication that can improve convenience, promote inclusivity, reduce cost of access to services, and enhance service delivery to Malaysians where online transactions are concerned.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo had mooted the idea to establish a national digital ID in October 2018. Subsequently, on May 8, 2019, Cabinet approval was obtained to begin a comprehensive study of the national digital ID framework.

The national digital ID is an effort by the government to enable Malaysians to embrace the rise of digital services. It will be an advanced method of authenticating a user’s identity online. It is not a substitute for the national registration identity card, nor will it be compulsory for everyone, said MCMC.