The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has initiated a public consultation process to gather people's views and perspectives on the development of the National Digital Identity Framework.

MCMC in a statement today said the feedback received would be vital in helping to develop a framework for the National Digital Identity that is suitable for Malaysia.

"It will also help to strengthen the strategic and directional aspects for the implementation of the National Digital Identity 2, especially in ensuring its concept, usage and benefits to individuals, various organisations and industries," the statement said.

National Digital Identity is an electronic verification of an individual's identity based on biometric characteristics such as fingerprints, face recognition, iris and demographic information such as names and dates of birth.

With the existence of the digital identity service, the verification of user identity from authentic sources enables fast, easy, protected and secure transactions.

In addition, it also has the potential to prevent online forgery and identity fraud as has been implemented by Estonia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom in conformity with their respective national context.

"National Digital Identity is very important to enable the connectivity of various transaction systems which will make it easier for users to carry out transactions anywhere at any time," said the MCMC.

As such, the public are urged to come forth and participate in the public consultation process on the framework.

More information on the consultations can be found on the MCMC website www.mcmc.gov.my until Aug 7.

-- BERNAMA