Latest news with #NationalRegistrationDepartment
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Empowering Malaysians through trust in MyDigital ID
IN an age of rising digital scams and identity theft, Malaysia's push for a national digital identity system — MyDigital ID — could not be more timely. But for it to succeed, it must be built on trust, transparency, and voluntary adoption. MyDigital ID is not just another login. It is a digital trust anchor — a secure way to verify who you are online, whether you are renewing a licence, paying traffic summons, or registering a SIM card. And it is backed by the same authority that issues your MyKad — the National Registration Department (NRD). When onboard, your identity is cross-checked against NRD's database. No data is stored, no profiling is done, and no centralised tracking exists. It simply confirms that you are you — nothing more, nothing less. Digital identity without cybersecurity is a risk. That is why NACSA (National Cyber Security Agency) has been entrusted to oversee the MyDigital ID initiative. Our role is to ensure the system is resilient and built with public safety in mind. We are also preparing legal safeguards. The upcoming Cybercrime Bill, expected to be tabled in Parliament this December, will criminalise the misuse of digital identities — making impersonation and exploitation prosecutable offences. But cybersecurity is not just about infrastructure. It is about culture. Malaysians must understand how to protect themselves online — and MyDigital ID is a key part of that journey. Online scams are often powered by stolen passwords, fake profiles, and untraceable mobile numbers. MyDigital ID helps stop them by verifying your identity across three layers — a method inspired by multi-factor authentication: * Who you are: fingerprint or facial recognition; * What you know: your password; and, * What you have: your registered device or app It is like having three locks on your digital front door — your fingerprint, your password, and your trusted device. Only when all three line up do you get access. This makes impersonation far harder for scammers and helps prevent unauthorised access to your online accounts. It also plays a crucial role in SIM card registration. Scammers often use mobile numbers tied to fake or stolen identities to impersonate others and commit fraud. By linking SIM registration to MyDigital ID: * Only verified individuals can activate phone numbers, and * Impersonation via mobile becomes significantly harder. When every SIM card is tied to a verified digital identity, impersonation becomes much harder — and accountability becomes possible. So far, 35 government apps and 7 non-government platforms have integrated MyDigital ID — including MyJPJ, MyBayar, MySejahtera and MyTNB. In addition, 17 more applications are currently undergoing integration, and by year's end, we expect to surpass 100 integrated apps. Even the financial sector is preparing. Bank Negara Malaysia is leveraging its Financial Technology Regulatory Sandbox to explore secure integration of MyDigital ID within banking institutions, with a rollout targeted for 2026. As more services come onboard, the value of MyDigital ID becomes clearer. That is why voluntary adoption — driven by relevance and understanding — is the right path forward. Mandates may be discussed in policy circles, but from a cybersecurity standpoint, empowerment and education are far more effective. Mandating may not be suitable for now. Countries like Singapore and Saudi Arabia have shown that success comes from integration, not compulsion. Malaysia is on the right track — prioritising security, usability, and legal safeguards. MyDigital ID is a powerful tool. But its strength lies in its ability to build trust, not enforce compliance. As we expand its reach, let's focus on transparency, usefulness, and empowering Malaysians to take control of their digital lives — securely and confidently.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Anwar to launch National Month in Muar today
MUAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the launch of the 2025 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign at Dataran Tanjung Emas here on Sunday (July 27), marking the beginning of the nationwide celebration of patriotism and unity. Deputy prime ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof are expected to be present at the event along with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. At the event, the prime minister is also scheduled to flag off the 2025 Jalur Gemilang Merdeka Expedition Convoy, which will travel across the country carrying the message of unity and patriotism. The side events for the launch of the 2025 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang have started since last Friday, featuring various community and family-oriented activities such as colouring competitions and a singing competition, known as the Bintang Suara Madani, art performances, and local cultural activities. Two key highlights that drew significant attention from visitors were the Madani Community entrepreneur booths, which featured micro and small traders from across the country, and the government and private agency service booths, which provided a range of public services and facilities. Among the services offered at the event are free health and dental check-ups, driver's licence renewals by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), services from the National Registration Department and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), women's health screenings, as well as a 30 per cent discount on the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) traffic summonses. Today's highlight also includes the Merdeka 6.8km Fun Run & Walk and a convoy performance featuring both land and water assets. Organisers are expecting over 10,000 visitors, aiming to ignite the spirit of patriotism in the lead-up to National Day on August 31 and Malaysia Day on September 16. - Bernama
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Launch of 2025 National Month: All eyes on Bandar Maharani this weekend
MUAR: Bandar Maharani is set to be enlivened this weekend with the numerous programmes and activities lined up in conjunction with the launch of the 2025 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign at Dataran Tanjung Emas here this Sunday. Many people-focused programmes such as the Kita Madani Carnival, the Rahmah Madani Sale, and the Madani Community exhibition are being held at the launch site starting today, thus opening up a space for interaction between the people and government agencies and at the same time fostering a spirit of togetherness and patriotism. Among the offers that also await visitors are discounts on summonses up to 30 per cent by the police, free health examinations, driving license renewals, and other services from government agencies such as the National Registration Department, the Road Transport Department and the Employees Provident Fund. Also not to be missed, 16 Madani Community booths showcasing traditional food products and clothing from each state. Tonight, the Madani Arts Fiesta featuring local artistes, such as AC Mizal, Ayai Ilusi and Asmidar, will take the centre stage. Other side events involving direct participation by the people include the Madani Community Service at Taman Tun Sulaiman Ninam Shah and the Peninsular Madani Community Retreat in Melaka today, as well as the Merdeka 6.8KM Fun Run & Walk and the launch of the Merdeka Jalur Gemilang Convoy 2025 on Sunday. The launch ceremony, which is expected to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tomorrow morning, is not just a symbolic event but a major platform to boost the spirit of patriotism among the people from all walks of life. According to the Information Department (JaPen) director-general Julina Johan, the selection of Muar as the venue for the event is significant because of the district's rich cultural heritage, such as zapin, ghazal and kuda kepang, which also reflect the Johor identity and reinforce a patriotic atmosphere that is friendly to the people. "The theme of the 2025 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni, is translated comprehensively through a people-based programme approach throughout this event," she told Bernama.
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Saifuddin: Act to be amended to curb MyKad forgery
THE National Registration Act 1959 (Act 78) will be amended to curb MyKad forgery, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said that the government is finalising the amendments which are scheduled to be tabled in the current parliamentary session. 'The amendments to the act will incorporate provisions for compoundable offences. 'These compoundable offences will be detailed and amended under the National Registration Regulations 1990 once the amendments to the National Registration Act 1959 are approved,' he said in a written parliamentary reply. He was responding to a question from Wan Razali Wan Nor (PN-Kuantan), who asked whether the government has any plans to increase the penalties under the act and reveal the number of forgery cases to date. Saifuddin Nasution said that data from the National Registration Department from 2022 to 2024 showed there were 778,500 cases involving the loss of MyKad due to negligence, 3,422,022 cases involving damage, and 138 cases involving document forgery. 'The government takes the issue of MyKad forgery seriously as it pertains to national security and sovereignty. 'The National Registration Department continuously collaborates with enforcement agencies such as the police, the Immigration Department and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to combat forgery,' he added. Currently, Regulation 25(1)(e) of the National Registration Regulations provides for imprisonment not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding RM20,000, or both, for the offence of using a fake identification card.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Getting MyKads in order
Aid on the cards: Malaysians rushing to replace their identity card at the Petaling Jaya NRD branch. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: As the government prepares to roll out the RM100 aid for all adult citizens, many are heading to National Registration Department (NRD) offices to update their MyKad. This is because the one-off RM100 assistance for Malaysians aged 18 and above will be credited directly to their MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative from September. Among those eager to renew their identification card was Chua from SS2, who has not renewed his MyKad for over 20 years. 'It was high time for a change,' he said at the NRD office here yesterday where he came to pick up his new MyKad, following a system glitch on Wednesday. Retiree K. Gunaseelan, 71, said he lost his MyKad recently. 'But I have a replacement and it is just in time for the government's aid,' he said. Gunaseelan said he is keen to find out more about how to use the RM100 aid. 'I've heard about the purchase scheme using the MyKad, but I'm not entirely sure how or where I can use it,' he added. A civil servant, who identified herself as Atiqah, came to renew her MyKad which was damaged. The 32-year-old said she appreciated the RM100 aid. 'Middle-income earners usually don't receive much from the government,' she added. She urged the government to do more to help those in need, such as tax rebates. Business development manager GK Lim, 55, said he was happy with the process of replacing his MyKad. 'The crowd was manageable and the queue not long as many counters were opened. Everything was done in under 45 minutes,' he said. Lim said he took leave from work to sort things out after realising the chip in his MyKad was faulty last week. Nurul Najwa, a 29-year-old freelance graphic designer from Ampang, said everyone should take good care of their MyKad. 'I'm happy about the RM100 government aid. 'As a freelancer, every bit helps. I hope the government will consider long-term solutions for freelancers and small-scale business owners,' she added.
