Malaysia is preparing to launch the NDII, which aims to create a secure and reliable digital identity system for its citizens. The success of the NDII depends not only on a strong technological infrastructure but also on public awareness, perception and acceptance. This preliminary study aims to provide insights into the expected public opinion towards the NDII in order to support its effective planning and implementation.

In today’s digital age, digital identity systems are becoming increasingly important as they provide individuals with secure access to online services and improve administrative efficiency (Hilowle et al., 2022; Zulkifli et al., 2023). The NDII is expected to revolutionise service delivery, streamline processes and foster a more connected and digitally literate nation. However, before embarking on such a transformative project, a comprehensive understanding of public awareness, perception and acceptance is essential.

This study recognises that the NDII has not yet been implemented and emphasises the need for forward-looking research to assess public expectations, concerns, and preferences. By collecting preliminary data, the study aims to inform policymakers, government agencies, and stakeholders about potential challenges and opportunities associated with the NDII so that they can develop tailored strategies.

Using a survey-based approach, a diverse group of Malaysian citizens will be interviewed to measure their awareness of digital identity concepts, their perceptions of privacy and security, and their likely acceptance and adoption of the NDII. Conducting this pre-implementation survey will provide valuable insights that can support the development of targeted awareness campaigns, the removal of potential barriers and the improvement of user experience and satisfaction.

This paper presents the rationale and methodology for the pre-study, emphasising the importance of understanding public opinion before implementing the NDII. The following sections focus on the literature review, methodology, research findings, and discussions that provide insight into public awareness, perception, and acceptance of the NDII. The article concludes with recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders, highlighting the need for ongoing research and evaluation as the NDII moves forward.

Our aim with this preliminary study is to contribute to the successful implementation of the NDII in Malaysia by ensuring that public sentiments are taken into account, concerns are addressed and effective strategies are developed to maximise awareness, perception and acceptance among the Malaysian population.

The NDIIs have gained prominence around the world as governments seek to provide secure and convenient digital services to their citizens. This literature review examines the implementation and impact of NDIIs in Singapore, Canada, Morocco and the United Kingdom. By examining these international examples, valuable lessons can be learned for developing and improving similar initiatives in other countries.

The Singapore government introduced Singpass, a robust personal authentication system for online government services, in 2003 (Bank, 2022). Singpass offers multiple login methods, including fingerprint, facial recognition and passcode, and provides secure and flexible access to digital services (Singapore, 2023). Singpass Mobile, the country’s mobile digital identity platform, has gained significant penetration, with over 2.1 million daily users. In addition, SafeEntry, an extension of Singpass used for COVID-19 check-ins, has further enhanced the platform’s usability and reach.

In Canada, the Government of Canada’s Digital Ambition sets the strategic vision for digital service delivery, cybersecurity, talent recruitment and privacy (Boysen, 2021). A survey conducted by VMware found that the use of online government services in Canada continues to grow (Canada, 2022). 88 per cent of Canadians have already used such services. However, the survey also showed that public perceptions of government digital services lag behind those of the private sector and trust in government’s handling of personal data remains moderate.

Morocco’s Digital Development Agency (ADD) and the Directorate of National Security (DGSN) have launched a national digital ID platform based on IDEMIA’s eID card technology (The Kingdom of Morocco Introduces a National Digital ID Programme, 2022). This initiative aims to improve digital trust, security and convenience for Moroccan citizens. The uptake of the new eID is remarkable: since August 2020, more than 10 million electronic identity cards have been issued, representing approximately one-third of the country’s population.

The Verify system was launched in the United Kingdom in 2016 as a digital identity platform (DI) that allows citizens to access government services online (Harbinja, 2017). The system worked by verifying users’ personal data with the help of a third-party identity provider. Although it successfully expanded access to digital services and reduced fraud, it was criticised for its complexity and ease of use (Forum, 2023). Concerns were also raised about the system’s implementation costs and lack of support for smaller businesses. As a result, it was announced that the Verify system would be discontinued on 28 October 2022. From mid-December 2022, no new accounts were accepted and all Verify services were completely discontinued in April 2023.

All participants will be informed of the purpose of the study, the nature of the questions, and their right to withdraw at any time. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to participation in the survey. The data collected will be kept confidential and used for research purposes only.

The cross-tabulation analysis between the respondents’ statements and the questions on awareness, perception and acceptance of NDI services revealed several important findings.

Significant differences were found in the use of identity systems, particularly RFID, biometrics, and electronic signatures, based on demographic and socio-economic factors. Gender, marital status, ethnicity/race, work status, employment sector, education level, place of residence, income level, and country of residence were found to play a role in the use of identity systems. However, factors such as password/ PIN and IP address were not influenced by demographic factors.

In terms of the warned risks of identification systems, most factors showed no significant association, with the exception of gender, which was associated with the risk of unauthorised access to personal data.

Awareness of the NDII was significantly related to gender, age, ethnicity/ race, work status, employment sector, education level, income level and country of residence. Targeted efforts are needed to increase awareness of specific demographic groups.

Across all demographics, the expected benefits of services such as the NDI, such as minimal user burden, ease of task completion, secure identification, cost savings, control of personal information and identity fraud, were found to be significant. Demographic considerations are important for the development and marketing of similar services.

Factors such as ethnicity/race, work status and income level had the greatest impact on the attractiveness of NDI users. Providing options for managing personal data, ensuring complete confidentiality and using biometrics were identified as effective strategies. Gender, age, marital status, education level and place of residence were less important in attracting users. To attract more users, the NDI service should prioritise the management of personal information, confidentiality and the integration of biometric data, while taking into account factors such as ethnicity/race, work status and income level.

In terms of gender, women were more familiar with identity systems, with the exception of IP addresses. Password/ PIN and biometrics were the most familiar, while RFID and electronic signatures were the least familiar. Women also expressed more concern about risks and expected more benefits from NDI. Preferences for a free service with options to manage personal data, shorter waiting times, a simple registration process, complete confidentiality, annual system audits and the integration of biometrics were expressed more often by women than by men.

In terms of age, the 15 to 29 age group was familiar with passwords/ PIN, RFID and biometrics, while the 30 to 39 age group was well familiar with all identity systems. Familiarity decreased with age and concern about risk was high across all age groups, with the 30 to 39 age group showing the greatest concern. Those aged 30 to 39 also gave the most positive responses about the benefits of NDI. Across all age groups, the reasons cited for attracting more users were the free provision of the service, control of personal data, shorter waiting times, an easy sign-up process, confidentiality, system audits and the integration of biometrics. Those aged 30 to 39 and 40 to 49 gave more positive responses for control of personal information, ease of subscription and system audits.

Among the different marital status groups, married people had the highest positive responses for all identity systems and risks. Divorced participants showed the lowest positive responses and a lower preference for biometrics.

In terms of race/ethnicity, Malays had the highest familiarity and most positive responses for multiple systems and risks, while Chinese respondents showed scepticism in certain areas. Malays also gave the most positive responses on benefits, followed by Bumiputra from Sabah/Sarawak. All ethnic groups preferred a free service and absolute confidentiality. Biometrics, personal information management, shorter waiting times, an easy registration process and system audits were only moderately important.

In terms of occupational status, respondents in managerial positions were the most familiar with identity systems, while pensioners had the least familiarity with them. Skilled workers had the highest number of respondents who were not familiar with any system. All occupational groups were aware of the risks associated with identification systems, with hacking being the biggest problem. Respondents in managerial positions showed the highest awareness of risk, while pensioners and non-professionals showed the lowest. Respondents in senior positions also gave the most positive responses for all benefits, and preferences for a free service, control of personal data, shorter waiting times, an easy login process, confidentiality, system audits and biometrics were the same across employment, with respondents in senior positions giving the most positive responses.

Among the different employment sectors, the private sector had the highest familiarity with all identity systems, followed by the government sector. Perceptions of risk varied across sectors. The private sector expressed more concern about embarrassing details and credit card fraud, while the government sector focused on unauthorised access and misuse of information. Private sector respondents gave the most positive responses for all benefits. Preferences for a free service, control over personal data, shorter waiting times, an easy sign-up process, confidentiality, system audits and biometrics were the same across all sectors, with the private sector giving the most positive responses.

Respondents with higher levels of education, especially diploma and university graduates, were more positive about all identity systems. Higher levels of education were also associated with greater awareness of the risks associated with identification systems. However, a significant proportion of respondents at all education levels expressed uncertainty about the risks, indicating a need for further education and awareness-raising. Among the education groups, respondents with a university degree had the highest number of positive responses and showed the most positive attitudes towards the benefits and policies of the NDI service.

In terms of place of residence, both urban and rural residents reported being familiar with passwords/PINs, but were mostly unaware of RFID. Biometrics and IP addresses were more familiar to rural residents. In terms of benefits, rural respondents were more likely to agree with minimal user effort, simplification of tasks, secure identification, cost savings, control of personal data and detection of identity fraud. Both urban and rural respondents agreed that providing the service for free, managing personal data, reducing waiting time, simplifying the enrolment process, ensuring confidentiality, conducting system checks and using biometrics for selfverification attracted more users.

Respondents showed familiarity with different identity systems, with passwords/PINs and RFID being the most familiar. Familiarity varied by income level, with higher-income individuals more familiar with most systems. Respondents with higher incomes were more aware of the risks associated with identification systems. Respondents with a household income of less than RM4,850 had the most positive responses. Most respondents from all income levels believed in the benefits of NDI-like services. The factors that attract more users were the same across all income strata.

In terms of state of residence, passwords/ PINs were the most popular identity system in all states, with Pahang having the highest usage. RFID, biometrics, IP addresses and electronic signatures were less popular. Respondents were aware of the risks, with differences between states. Kelantan had the highest number of positive responses among the resident state groups. Most respondents agreed with the benefits, such as minimal user effort, simplicity of tasks, secure identification, cost savings, control of personal information and detection of identity fraud. Responses varied by strategy, with Pahang and Kelantan receiving the most positive responses in some cases. Biometrics for self-verification was generally preferred, with differences between states.

The implementation of these recommendations will help overcome barriers, raise awareness, address concerns and promote acceptance and adoption of the NDII. In this way, Malaysia can create a secure and user-friendly digital identity ecosystem that benefits all citizens.

In conclusion, the study’s findings and analysis provide valuable insights into the factors that influence awareness, perception, and acceptance of the Malaysian NDII. The study highlights the need for targeted awareness campaigns aimed at specific demographic groups, building on previous research that emphasises the effectiveness of such campaigns in increasing public awareness and knowledge of digital identity schemes.

Privacy and security concerns emerged as significant barriers to the adoption of the NDII. This highlights the importance of implementing robust security measures, transparent data processing practices and clear communication about privacy. The study also highlights the importance of user-friendly design. Participants emphasised minimal user effort, ease of task completion and secure identification. The use of biometric technologies in the NDII is recommended due to the positive perception of such authentication methods by the participants.

To promote awareness and acceptance of the NDII, it is recommended to launch comprehensive education and awareness campaigns for all demographic groups, ensure inclusion and accessibility through user-friendly interfaces and support for people with disabilities, and integrate the NDII into existing services to increase convenience. Demographic-specific recommendations further optimise awareness and acceptance efforts.

As the Malaysian government prepares to implement the NDII, future research is recommended to address various aspects and challenges. These include exploring the policy and regulatory frameworks needed to support the initiative, focusing on user-centred design to improve the user experience, engaging stakeholders and conducting public awareness campaigns, developing implementation strategies and a comprehensive roadmap, and considering technological aspects such as digital infrastructure, interoperability and emerging technologies.

Addressing these research areas can help policymakers and stakeholders gain valuable insights into the development, implementation, and roll-out of the NDII in Malaysia. This will help create a secure and user-friendly digital identity ecosystem that benefits all citizens by providing convenient access to services and promoting trust in the digital world.