Malaysia's 13MP Plan: MyDigital ID to Transform Digital Gov Services

Published Date : 8/5/2025 

Malaysia is set to transform its digital landscape with the MyDigital ID under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), aiming to deliver 95% of federal government services online by 2030. 

The Malaysian government is moving ahead with its digital transformation under the newly unveiled 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). A key pillar of this plan is the flagship MyDigital ID, which aims to streamline and secure online government services.

Malaysia is targeting 95 percent of all federal government services to be delivered fully online by 2030. This ambitious goal includes the creation of a single government service window, with access exclusively enabled by MyDigital ID. This initiative is expected to enhance efficiency and security in public services.

While the Southeast Asian country has faced challenges with public adoption, key figures have emphasized that building trust is crucial for the success of the digital ID system. MyDigital ID CEO Nik Hisham Nik Ibrahim has highlighted this sentiment, stating, “The main focus of MyDigital ID is to become a real-time digital trust system. As adoption continues to grow, it not only simplifies public access but also strengthens the nation’s digital sovereignty and security.”

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that MyDigital ID will serve as the secure, singular digital-identity key to all online public services. Nik Hisham revealed that 45 online platforms, encompassing both public and private sectors, have already integrated MyDigital ID. The executive emphasized that security and user privacy remain paramount, with the system performing real-time identity verification through official government databases, specifically the National Registration Department. Importantly, biometric data is never stored to ensure user privacy.

Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Khairie Ahmad, dean of Universiti Utara Malaysia’s School of Multimedia and Communication Technology, reassured the public that MyDigital ID does not store biometrics such as fingerprints, facial scans, or other personal details. “Usually when conducting official matters, the service provider will request an identity card (MyKad) to verify your identity,” Ahmad said. “Therefore, MyDigital ID functions to replace that (MyKad) process in the digital realm.”

Under the 13MP, major initiatives include establishing a National Data Bank that will serve as a repository for high-quality datasets, allowing cross-ministry access and offering improved analytics. Additionally, digital twin technology will be deployed to enable real-time modeling, helping policymakers simulate, test, and refine decisions.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo announced the establishment of a National Data Commission, which will play a crucial role in managing the national data infrastructure. The independent body will safeguard data, oversee data governance, enforce secure sharing practices, promote public trust, and support transparent and cross-sector data collaboration.

Dr. Khairie Ahmad noted that Malaysia’s mobile connectivity rate stands at 121 percent, while 97.7 percent of the population has internet access, highlighting the digital nature of daily life. “Since people are increasingly conducting their affairs digitally, MyDigital ID is an important mechanism to ensure public safety,” he said.

Dr. Mohd Shahril Nizam Shaharom, a senior lecturer in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction Technology at the University of Malaya, stressed that technological rollout must be paired with digital skills education and cybersecurity awareness. “MyDigital ID proves that the country’s digital transformation cannot be focused solely on technological development, but must be strengthened through the cultivation of digital skills, appreciation of technological ethics, and awareness of security among the people,” he said.

Malaysia will host the ASEAN AI Summit from August 12–13 and the Kuala Lumpur Smart City Expo from September 17–19, where the Digital Ministry will expand on the initiatives outlined in the 13MP. “The RMK–13 signifies a national commitment and serves as a blueprint for Malaysia to become a digitally advanced, highly productive, prosperous, and citizen-centric nation,” Gobind said. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP)?

A: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is a strategic blueprint for Malaysia's development, focusing on digital transformation and the integration of advanced technologies to enhance public services and economic growth.

Q: What is MyDigital ID?

A: MyDigital ID is a digital identity system introduced under the 13MP, designed to serve as a secure, singular digital-identity key for accessing online government services.

Q: How will MyDigital ID enhance government services?

A: MyDigital ID will streamline access to government services, making them more efficient and secure. It will also help in building trust and strengthening digital sovereignty and security.

Q: What is the National Data Bank and its role?

A: The National Data Bank is a repository for high-quality datasets, allowing cross-ministry access and improved analytics. It will support data-driven decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of government policies.

Q: What is the National Data Commission, and what will it do?

A: The National Data Commission is an independent body that will manage the national data infrastructure, ensuring data security, governance, and promoting public trust and responsible innovation. 

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