On track: Gobind (second from left) being briefed by Rajendran (left) at the MBPP Intelligent Operation Centre in Komtar. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The newly enacted Data Sharing Act 2025, which facilitates enhanced sharing of data among ministries and their agencies, is an important step in Malaysia’s pursuit of becoming a smart nation, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
The law took effect yesterday.
“To me, it is landmark legislation as it now provides a structure for the necessary processes that enable and facilitate data sharing, which is crucial for the success of today’s new technologies, especially with artificial intelligence and related advancements,” the Digital Minister said after visiting the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Intelligent Operation Centre at Komtar here yesterday.
The Act, he said, enables data to be shared between federal ministries and the agencies under them.
He also said the Digital Ministry will support the state’s initiatives to develop smart operations centres as a pathway to becoming a smart city and state.
He commended Penang for starting its smart initiative as early as 2010 and noted that other states, such as Johor, the Federal Territories and Sarawak, have been making similar strides.
On the Act, Gobind explained that it has established a structured process where agencies that require data from other agencies can submit a formal request.
A committee chaired by the secretary-general of the Digital Ministry will review and assess these requests.
“If the data is deemed appropriate for sharing, approval will be granted accordingly.
“In essence, it will provide a clear mechanism for requesting data, ensuring that applications are evaluated against established criteria and, where appropriate, approvals are given promptly to facilitate data sharing,” he said.
He noted that at this stage, the legislation applies only to federal ministries and agencies under the Federal Government’s jurisdiction.
Gobind said the ministry hopes state governments will also enact state-level legislation to align with the Data Sharing Act to further strengthen data security across the country’s digital ecosystem.
“This move forms part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to become a fully digital nation.
“By creating an ecosystem where data can be shared effectively among the federal, state and local governments, Malaysia can establish a more integrated and comprehensive data-sharing mechanism nationwide,” he said.
Earlier at the MBPP centre, Gobind was briefed by Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and his team on the progress of the Penang smart city initiative.
Also present were Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, ministry secretary-general Fabian Bigar, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fazil and Digital Nasional Bhd CEO Datuk Azman Ismail.
The visit was part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to drive AI and 5G adoption in Malaysia.
