Al-Ishsal says a National Digital ID could help reduce the cost of access to services. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
In 2020, ask yourself if you are ready for a government-issued digital ID? The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that it commenced a 30-week study on Nov 21, 2019, with the goal of establishing a user-centric National Digital Identity framework for Malaysian citizens.
The result of the study, expected to be ready by June 30, will help the National Digital Task Force recommend a suitable implementation model.
“Today, as technology forms an integral part of our lives, the need for a safe, secure and protected National Digital ID platform has become both an essential and attractive proposition,” MCMC chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak said in a press statement.
Ishsal added that the Digital ID will be used as a form of secure credential, claiming that it will help reduce cost and enhance the experience of online transactions.
MCMC maintained that the National Digital ID is not a substitute for the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) and it will not be compulsory to everyone.
"A National ID Digital serves as a secure and trusted digital credential as well as a platform for authentication that can improve convenience, promote inclusivity, reduce the cost of access to services, and enhance service delivery to Malaysians where online transactions are concerned,” he said.
The National Digital ID Task Force is co-chaired by the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia secretary-general Datuk Suriani Ahmad and Al-Ishsal Ishak will oversee the study.
Ishal said the Task Force will be taking a consultative and collaborative approach by working with relevant stakeholders.
Dego Ride is now in action in Klang Valley under a six-month pilot project. — Bernama
Looking for a new way to get around in Klang Valley? Dego Ride and Grab are currently allowed to offer motorcycle-hailing service under a six-month Proof of Concept pilot project.
Dego Ride now has 700 riders covering Klang Valley, and rides cost RM3 for the first 3km and RM1 for every subsequent kilometre.
The company is also hoping to see more female riders join the platform.
“We welcome more women to sign up as riders with us because our survey and market data showed that many passengers who want to use our service are women,” founder and chief executive officer Nabil Feisal Bamadhaj said.
He added that in Dego, riders will only cater to passengers of the same gender.
As for Grab, users can call for a GrabBike within Klang Valley, as long as the distance to their destination is within 10km.
However, passengers have to observe a number of rules, including not wearing slippers and long dresses, and using mobile phones.
TNG Digital CEO Ignatius Ong (third from right) demonstrating how to use the e-wallet app at a food joint to a visitor and Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow (first from right). — Handout
If you’re looking to play tourist in Penang, you’d be glad to know that the Touch ‘n Go e-wallet is available for use along key heritage streets in George Town.
The company announced that the e-wallet has been enabled as a digital payment method at stalls and hawker joints at places such as Chowrasta Market, Armenian Street as well as some areas in Pulau Tikus and Tanjung Tokong.
Introducing more touchpoints for e-wallet usage is part of Penang2030, a state government agenda to achieve a family-focused, green and smart state.
Tourists heading to Malaysia can purchase a Unifi Travel Pass to stay connected with loved ones. — Bernama
Know someone from overseas who is coming in for Visit Malaysia Year 2020? They can check out the Unifi Travel Pass mobile prepaid service.
If they are keen, they can make the purchase online (bit.ly/2FxAcqm) and pick up the pack at the Tourist Information Centre in Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 or 2.
They can choose a seven-day pass for RM30 or a 15-day pass for RM60.
Both will come with unlimited high-speed data and RM5 worth of preloaded talk time. Calls cost 20sen per minute and SMSes cost 10sen per message.
Users can also reload credit online or through selected Unifi partners and stores. The service will be terminated after the validity period.
The Unifi Travel Pass is for non-Malaysians only with valid passports.
Some users in the US are happy to give up on Facebook for one month for money. — AP
Meanwhile, have you wondered how much it will cost to make people give up on free services such as Facebook for one month? Researchers at MIT discovered that based on a representative sample of US Internet users, the average price for abstaining from Facebook for a month was US$42.17 (RM173.07).
Test subjects in the Netherlands placed higher value on WhatsApp, asking for €535.73 (RM2,461), while only demanding €100 (RM459) for Facebook.
Twitter, which was used by a third of the group, was “valued” at less than €1 (RM4.59).
Researchers conducted the survey to help economists measure the way free technologies are changing people's lives and the economy.
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