National Digital Identity to be fast-tracked, says Anwar

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the National Digital Identity (IDN) development project will be expedited as part of efforts to enhance digital transformation in the public sector. The IDN is expected to serve as a secure and reliable digital information platform for accessing verified information. Furthermore, it will ensure secure and adaptable online transactions, Anwar said on Sunday (Aug 27) after presiding over a meeting of the Digital Economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution Council.

The National Digital Identity, which falls under the National Registration Department, is intended to serve as a means to verify individuals’ identities on the internet or in the virtual world. Anwar remarked that the meeting reached a consensus on implementing initiatives to strengthen the ecosystem for startup companies and promote local startups. He revealed that Malaysia aims to be among the top 20 countries with a robust startup ecosystem and to establish Kuala Lumpur as a regional hub for digital innovation and startups by 2030.

Anwar stated that currently, there are 14 agencies involved in supporting startup companies. These agencies cover aspects such as financing, product development, marketing, and expertise. He additionally shared that the government plans to introduce a “single window” initiative to streamline and reorganize the functions of the agencies within the startup ecosystem. The goal is to establish 5,000 startup companies by 2025.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government will continue to expand digitalization programs in the public sector to foster digital development across the country.