KUALA LUMPUR: The National Digital ID project, which allows access to all government and private digital services, will receive an RM80 million allocation in attempts to speed up the country's digital transformation.
The system is expected to be operational in three months, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"Next week, the ministries and departments should begin signing up for it.
"It will be able to facilitate the targeted subsidies and other facilities," he said in his speech during a visit to the national Applied Research and Development Centre, Mimos Bhd.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, also announced Mimos as the project implementer.
He said other approvals related to the project would be expedited, by the end of the month.
He said the initiative was crucial in enabling the country's digital transition, so that it would not lag in technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The initiative is hoped to also empower local talents, including researchers in science and innovation, he said.
"We must raise the country to be more modern, so that we would not be left behind.
"Are we capable in utilising the field or are we still stuck in the old ways? (Being) modern does not mean we only copy; (or) leave it to foreign expertise and technology."
He said a modern nation has its "inner strength", referring to the capabilities of the people.
In this aspect, he said, Mimos, and other research institutes, played a vital role in producing experts in various fields.
He however reminded everyone to uphold human values such as maintaining peace and harmony while seeking technology advancements.
