THE MALAYSIAN government loves to crow about its digital reforms and public service efficiency, but let’s be honest: the growing number of official mobile apps is rapidly becoming a badge of inefficiency, not progress.
Sure – apps like MyJPJ, MySejahtera, and MyBorderPass each serve their own niche, but the mess of platforms only raises a few glaring questions about convenience, inclusivity, and just how well public resources are being managed.
The call for a unified, all-in-one government super app has never been louder. It’s high time for a single platform which brings together essential services from all ministries and agencies.
Think about it – one app to handle everything from health services like vaccination records and disease tracking, to transport needs like road tax and driver’s licence renewals and public parking fees, not to mention immigration services like passport renewals and border crossings.
Oh, and let’s not forget flood warnings – Malaysia is no stranger to natural disasters, so why not have all alerts and emergency services in one place too? Streamline the experience and get rid of the digital clutter. Surely that’s not too much to ask?
Right now, Malaysians are stuck navigating an app maze just to interact with the government.
For health updates and vaccinations, you’ve got MySejahtera. Road Transport? MyJPJ. Immigration? You guessed it, MyBorderPass. Burglars prowling outside the house? download SaveME 999 POLIS. Flood warnings? That’s another app that has yet to emerge.
Yes, they are digital steps forward, but all they do is scatter the system into a patchwork of apps that leaves much to be desired.
Every new app means more storage space taken up, more separate registrations, more passwords to juggle – it’s hardly the seamless, user-friendly experience they promise.
And let’s not forget the digital divide. Not everyone is sporting the latest smartphone or has access to fast internet. For some, these multiple platforms are an inconvenient, if not impossible, barrier.
The more apps you add, the more users feel left out and frustrated, which defeats the purpose of digitalisation in the first place.
Super app as the solution
A government super app – a true digital one-stop-shop – could turn the tables. Imagine consolidating a range of services into a single, cohesive platform, much like how China’s WeChat rolls messaging, social media, payments, and government services all into one. Efficiency at its finest.
One of the standout features would be an e-wallet for all your government transactions – whether it’s renewing a licence, paying fines, or settling utility bills. Cut the need for separate banking apps or those tiresome trips to government offices. Add MyDigital ID as a secure sign-on, and now you’ve got an authentication system that’s both easy and safe.
A super app would also allow for personalised notifications. Why waste time checking different platforms when you could get all your important updates in one place? Health appointments, vehicle insurance renewals, flood warnings, you name it. All in your pocket, ready to remind you before it’s too late. The time and cost savings could be massive.
A unified app isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about accessibility. For those with older phones or little tech know-how, a well-designed app that’s easy to navigate, multilingual, and even offline-capable would be a game-changer. It’s about ensuring that no one gets left behind in the digital dust.
But, of course, data privacy and security are crucial. The app’s development must focus on transparency, with clear policies on data usage, consent, and strict governance. The public needs to feel confident that their information is safe.
Malaysia’s digital future is at a crossroads. Individual apps have had their time, but the next step is clear: integration. My simple message to the government’s many agencies and departments on the issue is: “talk to each other lah”.
A government super app could solve the current chaos and propel Malaysia into the spotlight as a leader in public-sector innovation. It’s time to leave behind the fragmented, cluttered solutions and embrace the simplicity, inclusivity, and power of a unified digital platform for everyone. – January 13, 2025
A. Azim Idris is a News Editor at Scoop
