PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will ensure that a proper ecosystem and regulatory framework are in place before adopting autonomous vehicles and related technologies, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
He said the government is working with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and other stakeholders to draft rules that will govern not only driverless cars but also emerging technologies such as drones and robotics.
“If vehicles are eventually replaced by (self-driving vehicles), we want to make sure that the process has been carefully thought through and that the ecosystem is ready before adoption,” he said after attending the ACCCIM ASEAN AI Business Summit here on Friday (Sept 12).
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Gobind added that regulatory efforts need to look beyond traditional vehicles to cover robots, drones and other autonomous devices that could operate in public spaces.
On a separate matter, Gobind said the Data Sharing Act 2025, which came into force in April, provides a legal framework for federal agencies to share data securely and responsibly.
He noted that the law focuses on three key areas: defining and digitising government data; setting up a cross-ministry committee to vet applications for data access; and ensuring that applicants have security measures that comply with national cybersecurity and privacy standards.
“We want to ensure that if data is shared, it is used strictly for the approved purpose, with agencies and companies required to meet privacy and cybersecurity requirements,” he said.
Personal information continues to be safeguarded under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, he added.
