Data Sharing Act 2025 takes effect today
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia marks a historic milestone today as the Data Sharing Act 2025 officially comes into effect, providing a legal and structured framework for the secure and efficient sharing of data between ministries and federal government agencies.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said in a statement today that the Data Sharing Act 2025 created a process for federal agencies to request data and how such requests would be handled.
'The National Data Sharing Committee will carry out a strict evaluation when an application is made according to the criteria set in the Act, in deciding whether or not the data requested can be shared. This promotes accountability while ensuring personal data remains safe.
'This new Act is set to enhance public service delivery, allowing government departments to access shared data in real time. This will result in faster decision-making and better coordination in public services,' he said.
Gobind said the sharing and analysis of data were essential for technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), particularly for developing applications for various sectors, such as healthcare, agriculture, and urban planning, resulting in innovative and realistic solutions.
'Through this legislation, and the establishment of the National AI Office (NAIO), the MADANI Government's aspiration to create an AI nation will be further accelerated.
'The Data Sharing Act 2025 will also create a more connected and data-driven Government that will benefit Malaysians, safeguard their welfare, and promote economic growth,' he said.
He also urged all state governments to introduce similar legislation, which would facilitate data sharing across federal, states and local government agencies, ultimately benefiting the whole country.
'We are also in the process of engaging industry players to find mechanisms that will enable the sharing of data between the government and the industry in the near future.
'This will enable greater use of technology, data-driven governance and future technology solutions, which will enable our country to optimise the benefits of technology for the Rakyat, moving ahead,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Money dysmorphia: Flexing fantasy online
How has the rise of "flex culture" in Malaysia – where influencers showcase luxury lifestyles – contributed to money dysmorphia among young Malaysians? —Pexels HOW has the rise of 'flex culture' in Malaysia – where influencers showcase luxury lifestyles – contributed to money dysmorphia among young Malaysians? Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam's Assoc Prof Dr Sara Chinnasamy observes that more young people worldwide are feeling the pressure to impress or keep up with their peers, often because of flex culture. Bank Negara Malaysia reported in 2021 that 40% of millennials were spending beyond their means, with 47% carrying high credit card debts, she says. 'In simple terms, flex culture means publicly displaying one's wealth, success, and luxurious possessions without humility, whether on social media or in person. Many youth today are chasing extraordinary lifestyles and the lifestyles they are trying to pursue, as seen on social media, are not suitable for most people. 'Malaysian youth need to think thoroughly before spending on discretionary goods. Social media is as a major contributor to the flex culture,' says Assoc Prof Chinnasamy, who is a political and social media analyst at the university's communication and media studies faculty. Prof Dr Sara says social media platforms are saturated with content creators pushing new trends, selling must-have items, and flaunting luxury hauls. She adds that social media platforms often fuel money dysmorphia by promoting unrealistic financial comparisons, especially among impressionable youths. 'For younger users, who are still forming their financial identities, this constant exposure can be especially damaging. Seeing peers or influencers their age seemingly thriving financially can lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure. 'The curated nature of social media can hide the reality behind the scenes – credit card debt, brand sponsorships, and staged content. Yet the emotional impact is real.' According to her, social media platforms are saturated with content creators pushing new trends, selling must-have items, and flaunting luxury hauls. 'And that's where money dysmorphia comes in. The onslaught of these videos may leave some feeling financially inadequate and pressured to recreate these lifestyles. 'The consumerism and neverending comparison traps can lead to anxiety, overspending, and growing fears around financial stability.' She reminds young people that influencer lifestyles often don't reflect reality. 'Unfortunately, many individuals are ensnared by this charm, striving to project an extravagant image to friends, often at the expense of financial feasibility. This involves indulging in pricey dining experiences and acquiring designer items, constructing a facade that doesn't necessarily align with their financial truth.' This trend, she warns, often leads youth to unintentionally accumulate debt in an effort to maintain a certain image. A major driver of this is the growing sense of obligation to uphold a particular lifestyle, resulting in heightened expenditure. 'The products and lifestyles influencers showcase are often sponsored or gifted by brands, who also pay them for endorsements. It's important to remember that what we see online isn't always the full picture – especially as we navigate our own finances.'
Focus Malaysia
12 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Madani slammed for EV perks to rich, burden on poor
THE Madani government's push for electric vehicles (EVs) was initially praised, as EVs are seen as better for the environment than fuel-powered cars. However, the high prices of EVs have made them unaffordable for most Malaysians — especially since almost 35% of formal workers earn less than RM2,000 a month. Under current policies, EVs are exempt from import and excise duties until the end of this year. This has triggered criticism on social media. Some users on X pointed out that while EV buyers — often the wealthy — get to enjoy tax-free benefits, regular Malaysians who buy fuel-run cars must still pay high taxes. One user said that someone buying a locally made car like the Proton Saga would still pay around RM15,000 in excise and sales taxes. Many Malaysians need a car just to go to work, especially in a car-dependent country like Malaysia. Meanwhile, luxury EVs like the Porsche Taycan — which costs RM675,000 — are completely tax-free. When a low-income M'sian buys a Proton Saga, he pays RM15,375 in excise & sales tax. But when a rich man buys an EV Porsche Taycan, he pays zero — saving over RM600,000. Tesla Model 3 saves RM225k. BYD Dolphin saves RM120k. Well done, Madani. Reward the rich, tax the poor. — khalid karim STEMKITA (@khalidkarim) June 6, 2025 To put things into perspective, that car costs nearly as much as the median house price in the Klang Valley, which is around RM745,000. Another user pointed out that even if Malaysians pay less income tax than in some countries, they still end up paying a lot of 'indirect' taxes on daily goods and services. Malaysia's income tax may be lower than many countries but we pay a lot more indirect taxes — 1negara (@1negara1) June 7, 2025 Many Malaysians online feel that the current EV policy seems to benefit the rich while leaving the poor behind. There's growing frustration over why Malaysia has set an RM100,000 minimum price for EVs — especially since brands like BYD offer much cheaper EVs in places like Thailand and China. This price gap has raised concerns about fairness and accessibility in Malaysia's EV market. — June 7, 2025 Main photo credit: Shutterstock
New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Penang to review housing discount for Indian Muslims at next exco meeting
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government has agreed to review and discuss the five per cent housing discount for first-time Indian Muslim homebuyers at the upcoming state executive council (exco) meeting. State DAP chairman Steven Sim Chee Keong said he had discussed the matter with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. "I acknowledge the public feedback regarding the five per cent discount given to the Indian Muslim community for the purchase of unsold property units (overhang) in Penang. "I have discussed this matter with YAB Chow (Kon Yeow), and he has agreed to bring this issue up for review and discussion at the upcoming exco meeting," he said in a statement. As a party founded on the Federal Constitution, Sim said DAP had always championed justice and the welfare of all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion. "It is important for the Penang state government to continue upholding the principle of social justice and to ensure the rights of every Malaysian to own a home are protected," he added. does not involve units under the Bumiputera quota and does not affect any existing home ownership policies. He said the initiative was part of efforts to expand home ownership opportunities in the open market, particularly for groups with low participation rates, without affecting the rights of other communities.
