Cybersecurity Chief Pushes for Voluntary MyDigital ID Use

Published Date : 7/28/2025 

The CEO of Malaysia’s National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and a prominent think tank have called for the government to reconsider making the MyDigital ID mandatory, emphasizing the importance of trust and voluntary adoption. 

The chief executive of Malaysia’s National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and a think tank have both urged the government to rethink its recent move to consider making MyDigital ID mandatory. The Malaysian government is looking at the possibility of bringing in legislation that makes it compulsory to register for the country’s flagship national ID program. A linchpin of Malaysia’s digital transformation, MyDigital ID has suffered from slow roll-out and adoption with registrations at roughly 10 percent of the adult population.

For it to succeed, however, Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, chief executive of NACSA, writes that “it must be built on trust, transparency, and voluntary adoption.” Writing in the New Straits Times, the cybersecurity chief’s agency has been appointed to oversee MyDigital ID, pointing out that the upcoming Cybercrime Bill will criminalize the misuse of digital identities by making impersonation and exploitation prosecutable offences.

Tackling digital scams and identity theft is a key part of the initiative. But Tajuddin appears to believe the government’s consideration of compulsory registration is misguided. “MyDigital ID is a powerful tool,” he writes. “But its strength lies in its ability to build trust, not enforce compliance.” The NACSA leader believes voluntary adoption, driven by relevance and education, is the right path forward, highlighting neighboring Singapore as a successful case of integration rather than by mandate.

On this point, the Social and Economic Research Initiative (SERI) agrees. The Kuala Lumpur-based think tank has urged the Malaysian government to prioritize trust building and voluntary uptake. “While legislative support may be necessary in the long term, premature compulsion risks undermining public confidence in what should be a transformative national platform,” SERI said in a statement. Chairman of SERI, Dr. Helmy Haja Mydin added that digital identity systems can bring “enormous benefits” but that people must believe they are safe and effective. “Compulsion before confidence risks undermining the very system we are trying to build,” he said.

SERI conceded that at 2.8 million registrations, MyDigital ID uptake remains “modest” relative to population size. But it said countries have seen high adoption rates without resort to legal mandates owing to tangible benefits and seamless user experiences. It highlighted India’s Aadhaar as an example and public awareness, pointing out that when people begin to see the helpfulness and benefits, they will “come on board without being forced.” However, it cautioned against overpromising digital initiatives as issues that may arise with data accuracy and usability could leave lasting reputational damage, as happened with PADU (Pangkalan Data Utama). “Every failed or rushed rollout comes at a cost — not just in terms of wasted resources, but in eroding the very trust we need for future reforms to succeed,” Helmy warned.

Instead, SERI recommended investment in public awareness and education in explaining MyDigital ID’s benefits, integrating meaningful services such as financial aid and tax filing, facilitating inter-ministerial system interoperability, providing meaningful consent, and working with civil society and community networks for promoting digital inclusion and literacy. But its takeaway message was clear: “The goal should not be mass enrollment at all costs, but building a system people trust and choose to use.” 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is MyDigital ID?

A: MyDigital ID is Malaysia’s flagship national ID program designed to enhance digital transformation and improve the delivery of government services through a secure and unified digital identity system.

Q: Why is the voluntary adoption of MyDigital ID important?

A: Voluntary adoption is important because it builds trust and confidence among the public. It ensures that people are willing to use the system because they see its benefits, rather than feeling forced to register.

Q: What are the concerns about making MyDigital ID mandatory?

A: The main concerns are that mandatory registration could undermine public trust and confidence in the system, leading to resistance and reduced effectiveness. It also risks creating a backlash if people feel their privacy is being compromised.

Q: What does the Cybercrime Bill aim to achieve?

A: The Cybercrime Bill aims to criminalize the misuse of digital identities, making impersonation and exploitation prosecutable offences. This is intended to enhance the security and integrity of the MyDigital ID system.

Q: What recommendations does SERI have for improving MyDigital ID adoption?

A: SERI recommends investing in public awareness and education, integrating meaningful services, facilitating inter-ministerial system interoperability, providing meaningful consent, and working with civil society and community networks to promote digital inclusion and literacy. 

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