In a statement to the Dewan Rakyat, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil dismissed circulating rumors on social media, clarifying that the government has no intention to collect fingerprints for the implementation of the National Digital ID (NDID) program.
“Sedar tak sedar tahun depan kita kena pakai ID DIGITAL. Ya Allah dunia akhir zaman. kalau tak pakai semua benda tak boleh buat, nak cari rezeki pun tak boleh kalau tak pasang ID DIGITAL!!”
A recent TikTok claim has asserted that the upcoming National Digital ID (NDID) implementation would be mandatory, suggesting that individuals without this digital identification may face hindrances in securing employment opportunities.
The clarification comes amidst speculation and misinformation spreading online.
“Even though the NDID program is under MIMOS and not KKD (Ministry of Communications and Digital), I take this opportunity to clarify that we do not intend to collect fingerprints,” Fahmi Fadzli explained.
The NDID program, announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on November 21, 2023, designates the national research and development center, MIMOS Berhad, as the implementing agency with an initial allocation of RM80 million.
Fahmi emphasised that fingerprint information and other biometric identifiers fall under the purview of the Home Ministry and the National Registration Department. He clarified, “The Digital IDD is a single sign-on initiative, and this is what we are trying to convey to the people.”
In a related development, PM Anwar Ibrahim made history by becoming the first person in Malaysia to register with the National Digital Identity or Digital ID.
This digital form of identification aims to enhance online identity verification for both public and private sectors during online transactions, without replacing the existing MyKad system.
With the Digital ID in place, Anwar expressed confidence in its safety and transparency, asserting that it will facilitate secure online identity verification and reduce identity fraud risks in digital transactions.
Anwar had earlier allocated RM80 million to MIMOS Berhad to expedite the development of Digital ID and propel digital initiatives in dealings with the government. The Digital ID system is expected to streamline processes and enhance efficiency while ensuring data security.
In assuring the public, Fahmi Fadzli stated earlier that the National Digital ID will prioritize personal data security, with information stored in a module accessible to ministries and, eventually, the private sector.
Many countries, he added, are adopting similar verification approaches due to their benefits, including reduced costs for application development.
As the National Digital ID implementation progresses, PM Anwar’s registration serves as a significant milestone, marking the commencement of a transformative era in digital identity verification for Malaysia.
(Source: Lowyat.net / The Malaysian Reserve)
