Latest news with #DataSharingAct2024
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Federal govt seeks Sarawak's support for state-level data sharing law
Gobind speaks to reporters during his visit to SAINS headquarters in Kota Samarahan. – Photo by Chimon Upon KOTA SAMARAHAN (May 16): The Madani government is hopeful of receiving a positive response from the Sarawak government on the establishment of state-level legislation to facilitate data sharing, in line with the Data Sharing Act 2024, which came into force last April. During a working visit to the Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) headquarters today, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo told reporters that he had discussed the matter with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and is optimistic that a decision will be made in the near future. 'This morning, during my discussion with the Premier, he expressed that he would study the matter and will make a decision accordingly. 'I am confident that the decision we will receive will likely be positive. However, the Premier must first examine the proposal thoroughly. I will also be engaging with other states to encourage similar initiatives,' he said. Gobind stressed the importance of having a clear legal framework to define the scope and nature of data involved, outline procedures for access, and ensure proper security measures are in place. He emphasised that any approved data sharing must be strictly for the intended purposes. 'I view the discussions as positive, as we all understand the importance of this matter. I will also be engaging with other chief ministers and menteri besar (MB) across the country,' he said. He also mentioned that a team from the Digital Ministry, particularly legal officers, would be sent to Sarawak to present and explain the drafting process of the federal legislation, with the hope that a similar framework could be adopted at the state level. In addition, Gobind praised Sarawak's digital initiatives through SAINS, describing the state as one of the most advanced in the early adoption of public sector digital transformation. 'We are working towards developing a unified digital platform to integrate federal and state government services. 'This approach not only accelerates the overall digital transformation process but also reduces costs, as many services have already been digitalised at the state level,' he said. Gobind noted that his visits to several states, including Penang, Selangor, and Sarawak, are part of the ministry's efforts to assess each state's readiness to implement a nationwide data-sharing initiative. Data Sharing Act 2024 Gobind Singh Deo
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang receptive to enact Data Sharing law
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is highly receptive to the federal government's initiative to enact laws similar to the Data Sharing Act 2024, to create a larger ecosystem between federal, state and local agencies. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who he met yesterday together with other state representatives, was very supportive of the proposal which is crucial to develope a comprehensive data ecosystem that includes the state and local authority levels. 'We (federal government) have explained to them that we are able to build an ecosystem where data is accessible not only at the federal level but also at the state and local levels. My team has been proactive in educating state authorities about the importance of data sharing. 'We want to digitalise the government operations as much as possible, and once we are able to do that, everyone will benefit. 'For Penang, the Chief Minister (Chow) is very receptive to it (the proposal),' he told a press conference after officiating Malaysia Digital (MD) Open Day 2025 here, today. Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, as well as State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh. The Data Sharing Act 2024, which came into effect yesterday, aimed to strengthen data management and data sharing between government agencies and the private sector in an effort to accelerate the country's digital transformation. Meanwhile, Gobind said the government has taken proactive steps by deploying legal officers to the states to explain the implementation methods of the new legislation promptly. 'Last week, a team from my office, my legal officer, my legal department, came to Penang and made a presentation to Zairil. 'I have told my team to go to all the states as well, so that they can explain how it can be done quickly, and hopefully by the end of the year, we can see efforts to enact legislation to that effect in all states,' he said.
The Star
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Penang receptive to enacting data sharing law
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is highly receptive to the federal government's initiative to enact laws similar to the Data Sharing Act 2024, to create a larger ecosystem between federal, state and local agencies. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who he met on April 28 together with other state representatives, was very supportive of the proposal which is crucial to develop a comprehensive data ecosystem that includes the state and local authority levels. "We (the federal government) have explained to them that we are able to build an ecosystem where data is accessible not only at the federal level but also at the state and local levels. My team has been proactive in educating state authorities about the importance of data sharing. "We want to digitalise the government operations as much as possible, and once we are able to do that, everyone will benefit. "Chief Minister Chow is very receptive to the proposal,' he told a press conference after officiating Malaysia Digital (MD) Open Day 2025 here on Tuesday (April 29). Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, as well as State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh. The Data Sharing Act 2024, which came into effect yesterday, aimed to strengthen data management and data sharing between government agencies and the private sector in an effort to accelerate the country's digital transformation. Meanwhile, Gobind said the government has taken proactive steps by deploying legal officers to the states to explain the implementation methods of the new legislation promptly. "Last week, a team from my office, my legal officer, and my legal department came to Penang and made a presentation to Zairil. 'I have told my team to go to all the states as well, so that they can explain how it can be done quickly, and hopefully by the end of the year, we can see efforts to enact legislation to that effect in all states,' he said. – Bernama
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Digital Ministry developing Malaysia into a smart nation, says Gobind
GEORGE TOWN: The Digital Ministry is working towards developing Malaysia into a smart nation equipped with comprehensive digital infrastructure, said its minister Gobind Singh Deo. He said one of the main pillars in building a smart nation is to ensure that every state has smart city initiatives, with the ministry offering full support for these efforts. 'In addition to Penang, the Federal Territories, Johor, and Sarawak are also developing smart cities, and the ministry is monitoring these efforts to create a smart nation. We also hold meetings with state executive councillors every six months to provide input and updates on each state's progress. 'This is also to explore how collaborations can be enhanced to ensure continuous advancement,' he told reporters after making a working visit to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Smart Operation Centre at Komtar here today. Also present was Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran. Gobind further said that his ministry is responsible for ensuring that Malaysia's digital infrastructure is sufficient and capable of holistically supporting future technological needs so that no area is left behind in the digitalisation wave. He added, 'We want to build a smart nation... One of the key pillars of this development is ensuring that every state has a smart city initiative. With the emergence of new technologies, we will see even more advanced innovations moving forward.' Meanwhile, Gobind said Penang is edging closer to becoming Malaysia's first artificial intelligence (AI) city as various smart technologies are being integrated into urban administration and infrastructure. He noted that the use of AI technologies not only accelerates urban modernisation but also improves productivity, service efficiency, and the quality of life for the people through technology-driven solutions. Among the key projects implemented is an AI-based smart traffic management system designed to optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion in the city. According to Gobind, today's visit forms part of the preparations for the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL 2025), which will be held from September 17 to 19 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, jointly organised by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). On another matter, he urged all state governments to enact legislation similar to the Data Sharing Act 2024, which comes into effect today, to expand data-sharing initiatives nationwide. He said the Act enables data sharing among federal government agencies and paves the way for a broader data-sharing ecosystem involving the federal, state governments, and local authorities (PBT). The Act, he said, passed in Parliament last December, marks a major milestone as it establishes, for the first time, a legal mechanism for data sharing between departments and agencies at the federal level. Gobind said that for now, the Data Sharing Act 2024 applies only to ministries and federal agencies and does not yet involve state governments or PBTs but if all federal and state agencies adopt a uniform mechanism, it will create a strong national data ecosystem.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Digital Ministry developing Malaysia into a smart nation
GEORGE TOWN: The Digital Ministry is working towards developing Malaysia into a smart nation equipped with comprehensive digital infrastructure, said its minister Gobind Singh Deo. He said one of the main pillars in building a smart nation is to ensure that every state has smart city initiatives, with the ministry offering full support for these efforts. 'In addition to Penang, the Federal Territories, Johor, and Sarawak are also developing smart cities, and the ministry is monitoring these efforts to create a smart nation. We also hold meetings with state executive councillors every six months to provide input and updates on each state's progress. 'This is also to explore how collaborations can be enhanced to ensure continuous advancement,' he told reporters after making a working visit to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Smart Operation Centre at Komtar here today. Also present was Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran. Gobind further said that his ministry is responsible for ensuring that Malaysia's digital infrastructure is sufficient and capable of holistically supporting future technological needs so that no area is left behind in the digitalisation wave. He added, 'We want to build a smart nation... One of the key pillars of this development is ensuring that every state has a smart city initiative. With the emergence of new technologies, we will see even more advanced innovations moving forward.' Meanwhile, Gobind said Penang is edging closer to becoming Malaysia's first artificial intelligence (AI) city as various smart technologies are being integrated into urban administration and infrastructure. He noted that the use of AI technologies not only accelerates urban modernisation but also improves productivity, service efficiency, and the quality of life for the people through technology-driven solutions. Among the key projects implemented is an AI-based smart traffic management system designed to optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion in the city. According to Gobind, today's visit forms part of the preparations for the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 (SCEKL 2025), which will be held from September 17 to 19 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, jointly organised by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). On another matter, he urged all state governments to enact legislation similar to the Data Sharing Act 2024, which comes into effect today, to expand data-sharing initiatives nationwide. He said the Act enables data sharing among federal government agencies and paves the way for a broader data-sharing ecosystem involving the federal, state governments, and local authorities (PBT). The Act, he said, passed in Parliament last December, marks a major milestone as it establishes, for the first time, a legal mechanism for data sharing between departments and agencies at the federal level. Gobind said that for now, the Data Sharing Act 2024 applies only to ministries and federal agencies and does not yet involve state governments or PBTs but if all federal and state agencies adopt a uniform mechanism, it will create a strong national data ecosystem.
