MySejahtera replaces check-out feature with Bluetooth based 'MySJ Trace'

PETALING JAYA: The MySejahtera app has been updated with a new function called MySejahtera Trace (MySJ Trace).

The add-on feature, using Bluetooth technology, will allow easier close contact tracing with those who test positive for Covid-19.

With the new feature, the check-out module will be removed from MySejahtera.

"The MySJ Trace function was developed to fulfil the demands of the Find, Trace, Test, Isolate and Support (FTTIS) programme, one of the monitoring programmes by the Health Ministry to prevent and control the spread of Covid-19," according to a joint statement by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) and the Health Ministry.

To ensure the effectiveness of the feature, users are required to activate their Bluetooth on their devices at all times.

The statement said when a person is confirmed to be positive for Covid-19, a notification will appear through MySejahtera to request approval for the sharing of any close contact information that was detected.

Upon approval, MySejahtera will provide access to the Health Ministry to conduct a risk assessment on all the close contact data traced via Bluetooth, before conducting close contact tracing activities on identified individuals.

This will not take place if no approval was given by the individual and any close contact tracing will be done manually.

It added, the MySJ feature uses an anonymised Unique User ID (UUID) and will not collect user data and their geo-location. The data can only be accessed and kept on a user's device for 14 days.

“The safety and secrecy of the entire process of contact tracing as well as data privacy are guaranteed by the government,” the statement said.

Users are advised to update their MySejahtera app to activate the MySJ Trace feature, which can be accessed as early as today, depending on the user's device.