In a move that hints at the expanding reach of the government’s digital identity initiative, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced that MyDigital ID could soon be integrated into how the public settles police-issued traffic fines.
The proposal—still in the suggestion stage—sits within the broader scope of Malaysia’s digital transformation policy. Though MyDigital ID registration isn’t mandatory yet, the government is steadily building the groundwork to make digital identification a key part of everyday governance.
To support this, amendments to the National Registration Act 1959 have been greenlit in principle, aimed at officially cementing the use of digital IDs for public transactions. These changes, however, are pending parliamentary approval.
In the meantime, the ministry is testing the waters through targeted incentives. According to Saifuddin, those who use the MyDigital ID app for traffic-related matters might receive better discounts on their summonses. Currently, the standard reduction sits at 50%, but users of the app could see that nudged up to 55%.
Saifuddin pitched the app as simple to register and smartphone-friendly, positioning it as a practical tool rather than an administrative burden. Yet, widespread adoption remains elusive, marred by public skepticism, past app glitches, and privacy concerns that have dogged digital initiatives in Malaysia before.
The government is weaving MyDigital ID into more touchpoints of civil life. And if there’s one thing bureaucracy understands, it’s that people tend to adopt tech faster when money is involved; even if it’s just a five percent discount on a fine they weren’t supposed to get in the first place.
Saifuddin’s remarks came during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration hosted by the Royal Malaysia Police at Titiwangsa Stadium, where he also handed out aid to police-affiliated communities including orphans, widows, and children with autism. The event was attended by top government and police brass.
