Digitalization Should Not Burden the People

Digitalization efforts in Malaysia are creating new burdens for citizens, particularly small entrepreneurs, instead of offering the promised convenience. A common scenario involves a newly registered small business owner needing to upload identical documents to three separate government portals. Each of these portals demands unique login credentials and distinct forms, transforming a supposed digital ease into a significant administrative hurdle.

This problem is not an isolated incident but a widespread reality faced by millions. The current system forces individuals to navigate multiple, often incompatible, digital platforms for essential government services. This fragmentation leads to wasted time, increased frustration, and duplicated effort, directly contradicting the goals of digital transformation which should streamline processes and enhance efficiency for the public.

The article argues that true digital convenience requires integrated systems where information is shared seamlessly across government agencies. Instead of requiring citizens to repeatedly submit the same data, a unified digital infrastructure would allow for a single submission point. This approach would not only alleviate the burden on entrepreneurs and the general public but also improve the overall effectiveness and user-friendliness of government digital services.