Latest news with #MyDigital
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Virtual briefing to be held with Madani community and Nadi reps on 13MP tonight, says Fahmi
KUALA LUMPUR: Immediate action will be taken to ensure that the aspirations of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) are made understandable to the rakyat, said Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. The Communications Minister announced that a special virtual briefing session on the 13MP will be held on Thursday (July 31) night with all Madani community and National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) hub representatives. "The briefing session will be held simultaneously with 1,838 Madani communities and 1,099 Nadi managers to ensure that the efforts of the Madani Government through the 13MP are understood by movers at the grassroots level," he told reporters at a press conference in Parliament on Thursday (July 31). Fahmi emphasised that it is crucial for the aspirations under the 13MP to be explained to the people in layman's terms for full comprehension. "The explanation should be simple and not the language used in Putrajaya so that it can be clearly explained to all communities," he said. Earlier, Fahmi highlighted that one of the goals of the 13MP is to widen internet coverage nationwide while making it more affordable for the rakyat. "But what is important is that it is made safer, particularly for our children and families," he added. Besides establishing MyDigital as the sole digital identity log-on for Malaysians, Fahmi also mentioned efforts to introduce a digital identity for businesses to ensure safe access for global payments and marketability. "This comes after we received feedback from various quarters, including civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations, stressing that the internet, particularly social media, is made safer and is not abused by criminals to victimise children," he added. He also stated that the 13MP will help position the nation as a global leader in AI, with an emphasis on the development of the nation's creative economy. Fahmi noted that more than 40 policies and action plans, with over 85 laws, are included as part of the 13MP to cover all aspects of development for the country over the next five years. "The 13MP makes the effort to cover all dimensions, which includes ensuring a sustainable economy and wellbeing of the rakyat, including environmental sustainability and good governance," he said.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia makes solid progress under RMK12 despite global headwinds
KUALA LUMPUR: The 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) has yielded moderate success in steering Malaysia's post-pandemic recovery and advancing development priorities, said economists. While the national development blueprint delivered meaningful gains in infrastructure, digitalisation and social protection, it fell short of several key economic targets due to a combination of global disruptions and persistent structural challenges. UiTM's Business Management Faculty senior lecturer Mohamad Idham Md Razak said the five-year plan made notable gains in infrastructure with projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and Pan Borneo Highway. This, in turn, enhanced regional connectivity and economic integration. Meanwhile, digital transformation is supported by MyDigital initiative, while 5G network coverage reaching 80 per cent of populated areas and boosting small and medium entreprises digital adoption. In the energy transition, Idham said Malaysia raised its renewable energy share to 25 per cent, supported by solar and hydropower projects - a move aligned with the nation's carbon neutrality goals. He added that Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR) cash aid and MySalam health insurance provided critical support to low-income households, reducing immediate hardship. These initiatives, he said, demonstrate RMK12's focus on modernisation and inclusivity, although long-term structural reforms remain pending. "The RMK12 (2021-2025) has achieved moderate success in advancing Malaysia's economic and development goals, though external disruptions and structural challenges have hindered full attainment," he told Business Times. Doris Liew, an economist specialising in Southeast Asian development, said RMK12 has registered some success in steering post-pandemic economic recovery. She noted that economic growth remained robust between 2022 and 2024, while unemployment stabilised around 3.0 per cent, near the natural rate, indicating that the economy is approaching full employment. "Key drivers include continued industrialisation, particularly in the manufacturing sector, increased foreign direct investment inflows and the development of strategic initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. "Strong job creation in 2024 points to encouraging signs of a growing and relatively resilient economy," she added. CHALLENGES: PRODUCTIVITY LAG AND INEQUALITY PERSIST Originally designed to steer Malaysia toward a high-income, inclusive and sustainable economy, RMK12 targeted an annual GDP growth rate of 4.5-5.5 per cent. Idham, however, said the actual growth hovered around 4.0 per cent in recent years, weighed down by external shocks such as global inflation, post-pandemic supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties. Meanwhile, productivity growth, at 1.8 per cent, fell short of the 3.7 per cent target, while income inequality and fiscal constraints persisted due to sluggish wage growth and a high national debt level over 60 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). "Social welfare programs like BPR cash aid and MySalam health insurance helped mitigate poverty, but urban-rural disparities remain unresolved," he said. Idham said RMK12's primary shortfalls were in productivity growth, fiscal sustainability and equitable development. Despite targeting 3.7 per cent annual productivity growth, he said the country achieved only 1.8 per cent, due to slow automation, skills mismatches and reliance on low-wage labour. "Fiscal constraints, including high debt levels that is over 60 per cent of GDP and inefficient subsidies, limited public investment in critical areas. "While urban centers thrived, rural and East Malaysian regions saw slower progress in infrastructure and job creation, exacerbating inequality," he said. Liew said deeper structural challenges persist, noting that Malaysia remains below the high-income threshold and has made only gradual progress in advancing up the manufacturing value chain. She said human capital constraints, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) continue to weigh on the country's competitiveness. The National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), which aims to train 60,000 engineers, appears to be falling behind schedule, a sign that the economy's structural composition has seen little meaningful transformation over the past five years. "Moreover, the transition towards electric vehicles and broader sustainability goals has been relatively sluggish," she said.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Low MyDigital ID sign-ups reflect public trust deficit
ONLY 2.8 million out of a possible 35.8 million Malaysians have registered for the MyDigital ID. This says a lot about their trust, or lack thereof, in digital platforms — particularly after breaches in hospital records and the recent Immigration processing chaos. With much-vaunted secure databases containing sensitive private information having been breached by ransomware hackers previously, it's understandable why the rest of the populace might be clinging to their MyKad as if it were the last vestige of their soul. Malaysian motorists have already surrendered their physical driving licences to MyJPJ, now carrying digital versions in their smartphones. And the Johor customs, immigration and quarantine complex chaos was caused by system integration issues. We shudder to think what a hack could do to the system. This won't help: AI chatbots, or the secretive technology behind these digital assistants, could exploit registered debit cards on pay platforms to "subscribe" without user consent. Add to this the billions bilked from victims of digital banking scams. Against this backdrop, the government is mulling mandatory MyDigital registration to address the limited voluntary sign-ups. MyDigital ID, designed for secure online identity verification, has been integrated into 82 digital systems, including 35 government platforms — with 17 more taking shape and 21 under deliberation. While the government maintains that these platforms do not store personal data, a successful hack remains a chilling prospect. Hackers, empowered by the unimaginable advances in generative AI, are resourceful enough to link breaches into relevant databases. While government digital security programmes are robust, aiming to safeguard national interests and citizen data, the most crucial element remains elusive: public trust. Mandating MyDigital ID, rather than addressing these trust deficits first, risks putting the cart before the horse. Recent breaches and system disruptions have scarred public confidence, making such a move unlikely to foster the very trust needed for widespread adoption. What's needed is a multifaceted approach prioritising enhanced security and unwavering transparency. First, to tackle the public trust deficit, focus on improving user experience and accessibility. This means creating intuitive and easy-to-use applications, reinforced with instant feedback mechanisms. Next, foster a culture of accountability and disclosure. This includes clear standards, methodologies and safeguards to anonymise mobile phone data, alongside strong governance protocols for sensitive information. Paramount are independent audits of data security and privacy practices, alongside vigorous reinforcement of the Personal Data Protection Act and the Cyber Security Act. Finally, raise allocations for cybersecurity measures and open data initiatives against data breaches and cyberattacks. These proposed initiatives can help build a stronger foundation of trust towards greater adoption of digital services.
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
United effort for MSME competitiveness
KUALA LUMPUR: Wawasan Institute of Policy Excellence (Wawasan) has urged for a more constructive and collaborative approach to discussions surrounding Malaysia's digital commerce landscape. At a time when local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) face mounting competition, platforms that actively invest in enabling seller success must be recognised and supported. Rather than focusing narrowly on pricing debates, Wawasan believes attention should be placed on how digital platforms are empowering Malaysian MSMEs by offering access to training, AI-powered analytics, performance insights and trusted delivery and transaction systems. Tarmizi Anuwar, founding director of Wawasan said: "We need to move away from a binary framing of sellers versus platforms. "In reality, both are deeply interconnected and so are their futures. A strong digital economy is only possible when sellers, buyers, and platforms work together to build trust, efficiency and growth." Wawasan said some platforms in Malaysia have made significant investments to strengthen the seller ecosystem. For instance, widely available seller education programmes such as free online classes and master classes on campaign participation, digital marketing and content creation have helped many small businesses upskill and stay competitive. Real-time tools that provide data on product performance, buyer demographics and market trends also help sellers optimise their listings and pricing more effectively. In addition, improvements in logistics infrastructure, such as same-day or next-day delivery options and self-collection at pickup points, have become increasingly common. These services not only benefit consumers, but also directly improve order completion rates and reduce cancellations for sellers. Many platforms also offer built-in buyer protection and return mechanisms, which reinforce consumer trust and in turn drive repeat purchases, ultimately benefitting seller performance. "These features aren't just technical upgrades; they're strategic investments into seller success. "Every ringgit spent improving logistics or buyer confidence helps sellers secure more loyal customers," Tarmizi said. As Malaysia continues to pursue its MyDigital agenda, Wawasan believes platforms that prioritise local MSME development should be part of the national strategy. These are not just online marketplaces, they are digital infrastructure partners helping entrepreneurs grow sustainably. Wawasan cautioned that as international players continue to enter the Southeast Asian market, Malaysian MSMEs will face increasing price pressure. Undermining the local platforms that support sellers could leave small businesses more vulnerable to undercutting by foreign competitors offering low-cost goods without reinvesting in the local economy. "We need to recognise that Malaysia's MSMEs don't just need a place to sell, they need partners that help them grow, compete and scale. "When platforms provide the tools, infrastructure, and insights to do this, it benefits not just the seller, but the whole economy," Tarmizi said.
Focus Malaysia
23-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Sellers, buyers and platforms must work together to keep Malaysia's MSMEs competitive
THE Wawasan Institute for Policy Excellence (Wawasan) is urging for a more constructive and collaborative approach to discussions surrounding Malaysia's digital commerce landscape. At a time when local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) face mounting competition, platforms that actively invest in enabling seller success must be recognised and supported. Rather than focusing narrowly on pricing debates, Wawasan believes attention should be placed on how digital platforms are empowering Malaysian MSMEs by offering access to training, AI-powered analytics, performance insights, and trusted delivery and transaction systems. 'We need to move away from a binary framing of sellers versus platforms. In reality, both are deeply interconnected and so are their futures,' said Wawasan founding director Tarmizi Anuwar. 'A strong digital economy is only possible when sellers, buyers, and platforms work together to build trust, efficiency and growth.' Wawasan noted that some platforms in Malaysia have made significant investments to strengthen the seller ecosystem. For instance, widely available seller education programmes such as free online classes and masterclasses on campaign participation, digital marketing, and content creation have helped many small businesses upskill and stay competitive. Real-time tools that provide data on product performance, buyer demographics, and market trends also help sellers optimise their listings and pricing more effectively. In addition, improvements in logistics infrastructure, such as same-day or next-day delivery options and self-collection at pickup points, have become increasingly common. These services not only benefit consumers, but also directly improve order completion rates and reduce cancellations for sellers. Many platforms also offer built-in buyer protection and return mechanisms, which reinforce consumer trust and in turn drive repeat purchases, ultimately benefitting seller performance. 'These features aren't just technical upgrades; they're strategic investments into seller success. Every ringgit spent improving logistics or buyer confidence helps sellers secure more loyal customers,' added Tarmizi. As Malaysia continues to pursue its MyDigital agenda, Wawasan believes platforms that prioritise local MSME development should be part of the national strategy. These are not just online marketplaces, they are digital infrastructure partners helping entrepreneurs grow sustainably. Wawasan also warned that as international players continue to enter the Southeast Asian market, Malaysian MSMEs will face increasing price pressure. Undermining the local platforms that support sellers could leave small businesses more vulnerable to undercutting by foreign competitors offering low-cost goods without reinvesting in the local economy. 'We need to recognise that Malaysia's MSMEs don't just need a place to sell, they need partners that help them grow, compete and scale,' Tarmizi pointed out. 'When platforms provide the tools, infrastructure, and insights to do this, it benefits not just the seller, but the whole economy.' Wawasan concluded by calling for open dialogue and partnership between government, platforms, and seller associations to build a resilient, inclusive and competitive e-commerce landscape. 'The health of our digital economy depends on how well we collaborate. When platforms succeed in lifting sellers, we all win. That's the spirit Malaysia must move forward with,' concluded Tarmizi. ‒ July 23, 2025 Image: Shutterstock
