Malaysia Launching Digital ID ‘Super-App’

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

KUALA LUMPUR (Worthy News) – Malaysia’s government says it is launching a “national digital identity ecosystem” named “MyDigital ID Superapp” across the Asian nation.

The application, available on smartphones, aims “to protect” Malaysians from online fraud and identity theft, according to officials. The government claims it will also make it “more convenient” for citizens to verify their identity.

“After signing up for MyDigital ID, Malaysians no longer need to log in to different platforms using different passwords. Only one verification system is needed for apps and portals to log in,” its developers announced.

The creators add that the platform makes “it safer for Malaysians” to make online financial transactions or use online government, financial, education, and healthcare services.

Malaysia says the blockchain-based platform, a technology for digital currencies such as Bitcoin and others, will include a digital wallet.

“At the same time, it will enable businesses to unlock new opportunities and streamline their operations in the digital age,” explained Dato’ Fadzli Shah, co-founder of blockchain network Zetrix, which supports the project.

BROADER ONLINE TOOL

Creators of Malaysia’s “MyDigital ID Superapp likely drew inspiration” from the Chinese “WeChat” platform, according to industry insiders,

WeChat evolved from a simple online chat tool to a platform offering services ranging from e-commerce and payments to ride-hailing and government services.

The MyDigital ID Superapp is due to be released within months and is overseen by Malaysia’s national research and development agency, MIMOS, Worthy News learned.

China appears to be involved in its development: Last year, Zetrix allowed Chinese nationals to “authenticate and verify” their identities, and it is digitizing Chinese driving licenses “for verification purposes” overseas.

Critics have questioned China’s and other governments’ control over personal data of a significant part of the world population. Yet Malaysia says personal data are carefully protected.

Malaysia’s electronic government service provider MY, E.G., Services Berhad and its subsidiary MYEG Alternative Payment Services Sdn Bhd developed the multi-million dollar Superapp with MyDigital ID Solutions Sdn Bhd, part of NIMOS.

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