Mimos chief techno-venture Saat Shukri Embong said their servers are dedicated to processing and do not store any personal data.
The information utilised is sourced from the national registration department (JPN), he added.
“In terms of regulatory authority, we have the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 managed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. If the information involves JPN, it falls under their jurisdiction,” he told a media briefing today.
“Mimos, on the other hand, is involved in the implementation and technical aspects, while the ultimate regulatory authority lies with JPN once the registration process is complete.”
In other words, Saat said any breach would have to happen at JPN’s end.
Last month, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government had appointed Mimos as the implementing agency for the MyDigital ID programme with an initial allocation of RM80 million.
MyDigital ID serves as a digital self-identification and authentication tool for individuals, designed for use across public and private sectors to verify user identities in online transactions.
Complementing rather than replacing the MyKad system, it offers a trusted and secure platform, streamlining online identity verification to curb identity fraud during digital transactions.
Anwar was the first person to register for a digital ID.
Saat said cases of identity theft would also be minimal because of the verification process before the digital ID is issued.
“When registering for a digital ID, individuals insert their MyKad into the kiosk, which then cross-references the data with JPN’s database,” he said.
“If the MyKad (details are) correct and the data matches (with JPN’s data), the digital ID is issued and stored securely on the user’s device.”
Saat said identity theft could also primarily be a result of user device mishandling.
“Maybe their device gets hacked or has spyware,” he said.
He added that public registration is expected to begin in July next year after the number of use cases or instances of use increases.
Initial utilisation will involve Cabinet members, government officials, and government beneficiaries, paving the way for a full public rollout, he said.