Kuala Lumpur: The MyDigital ID registration rate is projected to rise in the second quarter of this year, from April 1 to June 30, due to a strategy implemented by the National Registration Department (NRD), which serves as the primary agency for pre-registration. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced that pre-registration for Malaysians as young as 12 years old will be automatically entered into the MyDigital ID system, a government initiative for authenticated online identity verification.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin stated that to boost registration numbers, the NRD will pre-register Malaysians once they reach the age of 12. This announcement was made during an iftar event with the media. Additionally, Saifuddin mentioned that another strategy includes automatic registration when a MyKad is lost and the individual visits the NRD for a replacement. He expressed optimism that by the second quarter, registration numbers will increase, facilitating transactions using a single sign-on system.

The strategy was finalized during the National Digital Identity Council meeting chaired by Saifuddin. The NRD has been tasked with leading the Digital ID program by the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN). Though not legally mandatory, Saifuddin noted that the use of MyDigital ID will become a significant requirement in government affairs and will eventually extend to the private sector.

Currently, only 1.8 million Malaysians have registered for MyDigital ID since its launch last year by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Saifuddin highlighted the low registration figures despite the significant benefits MyDigital ID offers, such as verifying the identity of individuals dealing with government departments, with future applications in the private sector.

The media reported in December last year that Prime Minister Anwar expressed disappointment over delays in the MyDigital ID project and the second 5G network, which are both key national digital initiatives.