Latest news with #DataSharingAct
Free Malaysia Today
16-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Gobind hopes Sarawak will back state-level data sharing law
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg with visiting digital minister Gobind Singh Deo at the Tegas digital village in Kuching today. (Ukas pic) PETALING JAYA : Digital minister Gobind Singh Deo is optimistic that Sarawak will back efforts to prepare state laws in line with the newly enforced Data Sharing Act. Gobind said he had discussed the matter with the premier, Abang Johari Openg, and expects a positive outcome soon, The Borneo Post reported. 'However, the premier must first examine the proposal thoroughly,' Gobind said after a visit to Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd. Gobind said he would also speak with other menteris besar and chief ministers to push for similar efforts in their states. He said data sharing between federal and state governments was critical to Putrajaya's goal of integrating all government services under a planned initiative called Malaysia Digital. 'In the past few weeks, I have visited Penang, Selangor and this time Sarawak to see for myself the readiness of the states to implement digital transformation. 'We see that many states have successfully digitised their respective services. Therefore, we now want to establish cooperation so that there is no need to repeat the same process at the central level,' Bernama quoted him as saying.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Prepare ecosystem for future technology'
Gobind (left) meeting industry stakeholders at the Malaysia Digital Open Day by MDEC at Bangunan UAB, George Town. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star Digital Minister says Penang's readiness for AI growth will attract investors PENANG, which is known as a leader in the semiconductor sector, should also become a regional hub for next-generation technology, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. He said the country needed to consider how it could further develop the ecosystem. 'When we talk about attracting investments to Malaysia, particularly to Penang, many potential investors will evaluate the strength and quality of the existing ecosystem. 'Investors will assess the existing infrastructure and the government's readiness to support the adoption of new technologies. 'When we talk about developments like AI (artificial intelligence), we need proper mechanisms to ensure that data can be shared effectively, enabling the successful implementation of AI and related fields. 'Therefore, it is crucial for the government to take action in establishing the necessary frameworks,' he told a press conference at the Malaysia Digital Open Day in George Town. He said the newly enacted Data Sharing Act 2025, which took effect on April 28, facilitated enhanced sharing of data among ministries and their agencies. This, he said, was one of the key steps towards the vision of making Penang the regional hub for future technology. Gobind was confident that if the state government could create the ecosystem, more investors would pick Penang as their investment destination. He pointed out that the ministry opened a Penang branch of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), so that it could have more discussions with industry stakeholders based in the state. 'Many new technologies will emerge and we must focus on how to prepare Penang to ensure that when these technologies arrive and become available, our ecosystem is ready to support and leverage them. 'This readiness will allow us to strengthen Penang's position as a leading semiconductor hub and a thriving start-up ecosystem in the region.' On the enactment of the Data Sharing Act at the state level, Gobind said Penang was very receptive to the proposal to put into place data-sharing laws aimed at creating a larger ecosystem among federal, state and local agencies. He had met Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who was very supportive of the Federal Government's efforts. 'We want to digitalise the government administration as fast as possible,' said Gobind. He hopes that all states will be receptive to the enactment of Data Sharing Act and that the legislation can be implemented by year-end. On the growing issues of online scams and digital fraud, Gobind said the authorities such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and police had many initiatives and public awareness campaigns, including dedicated hotlines for public complaints and streamlined processes for enforcement. He said existing legislation to address digital threats was sufficient and the government was doing all it could to curb crime. 'Government agencies, including MCMC, law enforcement and other regulatory bodies, are equipped to investigate and respond to cyberthreats effectively,' he said.
The Star
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Data sharing law will aid smart nation goals'
On track: Gobind (second from left) being briefed by Rajendran (left) at the MBPP Intelligent Operation Centre in Komtar. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star GEORGE TOWN: The newly enacted Data Sharing Act 2025, which facilitates enhanced sharing of data among ministries and their agencies, is an important step in Malaysia's pursuit of becoming a smart nation, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. The law took effect yesterday. 'To me, it is landmark legislation as it now provides a structure for the necessary processes that enable and facilitate data sharing, which is crucial for the success of today's new technologies, especially with artificial intelligence and related advancements,' the Digital Minister said after visiting the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Intelligent Operation Centre at Komtar here yesterday. The Act, he said, enables data to be shared between federal ministries and the agencies under them. He also said the Digital Ministry will support the state's initiatives to develop smart operations centres as a pathway to becoming a smart city and state. He commended Penang for starting its smart initiative as early as 2010 and noted that other states, such as Johor, the Federal Territories and Sarawak, have been making similar strides. On the Act, Gobind explained that it has established a structured process where agencies that require data from other agencies can submit a formal request. A committee chaired by the secretary-general of the Digital Ministry will review and assess these requests. 'If the data is deemed appropriate for sharing, approval will be granted accordingly. 'In essence, it will provide a clear mechanism for requesting data, ensuring that applications are evaluated against established criteria and, where appropriate, approvals are given promptly to facilitate data sharing,' he said. He noted that at this stage, the legislation applies only to federal ministries and agencies under the Federal Government's jurisdiction. Gobind said the ministry hopes state governments will also enact state-level legislation to align with the Data Sharing Act to further strengthen data security across the country's digital ecosystem. 'This move forms part of Malaysia's broader efforts to become a fully digital nation. 'By creating an ecosystem where data can be shared effectively among the federal, state and local governments, Malaysia can establish a more integrated and comprehensive data-sharing mechanism nationwide,' he said. Earlier at the MBPP centre, Gobind was briefed by Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and his team on the progress of the Penang smart city initiative. Also present were Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, ministry secretary-general Fabian Bigar, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fazil and Digital Nasional Bhd CEO Datuk Azman Ismail. The visit was part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to drive AI and 5G adoption in Malaysia.
Malay Mail
28-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
As Data Sharing Act takes effect today, Gobind urges states to enact laws for seamless sharing
GEORGE TOWN, April 28 — State governments are encouraged to enact data sharing laws to create a larger ecosystem between federal, state and local agencies, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said today as the Data Sharing Act 2025 comes into force. The new law allows data sharing among federal agencies, but Gobind said state laws are needed to enable wider integration. 'I will be meeting with respective state governments to ask for their cooperation to enact legislation that will enable data to be shared among state agencies, local governments and federal agencies,' he told reporters after visiting the Penang Island City Council's Intelligent Operations Centre here. Gobind is scheduled to meet the Penang state executive council this afternoon to discuss the issue. 'We can create a large ecosystem between federal, state and local governments with a mechanism to allow us to share data,' he said. 'This will result in a mechanism of data that can be shared nationwide,' he added. He said this is part of Malaysia's push to become a digitalised nation. On the Data Sharing Act, Gobind said data sharing among federal agencies would follow a stringent process to safeguard security. 'There is a mechanism by which data can be applied for, a request is made, it's considered, the criteria is set and of course if it is going to be approved, it will be approved quickly and that data will then be shared,' he said. He said a committee led by the Digital Ministry's secretary-general would evaluate requests to ensure data is not misused. 'Moving forward, we must ensure that we have a mechanism that allow data sharing so that when data is shared between agencies, we can see the benefits of it,' he said. On concerns over security, Gobind said the ministry would ensure privacy is protected while making sure shared data is used responsibly.
