MyDigital ID says it enforced yearly renewals due to cybersecurity concerns

PETALING JAYA: MyDigital ID Sdn Bhd says it implemented a yearly renewal policy to ensure the safety and integrity of the national digital identification system intended for authenticating users across government services.

“Digital certificates have a one-year expiration period to improve cybersecurity and limit cyberattacks. This approach follows standard international practices,” said MyDigital ID CEO Mohd Mirza Mohamed Noor in a statement to LifestyleTech.

He said a shorter validity period would narrow the window during which hackers could exploit vulnerabilities and reduce the use of spoofed certificates.

Last week, the company posted on social media saying that users must renew their MyDigital ID annually, as it expires one year after registration. This announcement sparked backlash from netizens who questioned the necessity of yearly renewals.

“We understand that yearly renewal may raise concerns about convenience, and at MyDigital ID, we are constantly innovating and exploring ways to simplify the process,” Mohd Mirza said.

According to the company, users can renew the MyDigital ID through the app or at a MyDigital ID kiosk in selected locations.

On Dec 4, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed concerns over the slow rollout of the MyDigital ID initiative, which has only recorded around 1.3 million signups.

Mohd Mirza said that the company is looking at the concerns raised by the prime minister “very seriously” and sees it as an opportunity to refine and improve its rollout strategy.

He said MyDigital ID is currently being integrated into applications such as MyTNB, PDRM MyBayar, and MyJalan, which are expected to be completed within two months.

“In addition, the financial sector, comprising 16 local banks in Tier 1, 2 & 3 (including digital banks), has started integration with MyDigital ID, which will be completed and targeted to go live within Q1 2025,” he said.

He added that MySejahtera is also moving towards a single login ID for Malaysians via the use of MyDigital ID.

Mohd Mirza said the main goal is for MyDigital ID to become a “super app” for the rakyat.

“This transition will go beyond registration and credentials, broadening its scope to include subsidy disbursements, lifestyle, direct government services, and entrepreneurship opportunities, amongst others,” he said, adding that more details will be announced soon.

Anwar, in his Budget 2025 speech, stated that digital transformation will be centred on MyDigital ID.