The National Data Repository (NDR) is part of the government’s agenda to strengthen good governance and drive Malaysia towards becoming an artificial intelligence (AI) nation by 2030.
Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong. said the national data bank initiative, supported under the 13th Malaysia Plan, is among the key projects to make government services more modern and data-driven.
He said the main aim of the NDR is to collect and store high-quality data sets from all ministries and government sectors.
“With this central data hub, the government can utilise information more efficiently for decision-making, policy planning, and improving the quality of services to the people,” he said.
“At present, the Digital Ministry is formulating the implementation plan for the NDR, which is scheduled to commence in 2026.”
Wilson was responding to an oral question by Datuk Wira Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN–Kubang Pasu) in the Dewan Rakyat this morning.
According to Wilson, among the key activities to be undertaken are:
i. Conducting a comprehensive study of the current state and needs of the national data ecosystem;
ii. Establishing national-level data governance policies and guidelines;
iii. Developing data standards so all government agencies use the same data format;
iv. Assessing infrastructure capacity and data-related workforce skills; and
v. Designing the architecture and technology platform for the NDR.
“This approach will help ensure that all government systems can share data more securely and effectively, and enhance public trust in how government information is managed,” he said.
He added that the MyGov Malaysia mobile application – a key government initiative to modernise services and make them data-driven with seamless access to digital services – requires the NDR to function as the national repository for high-quality data from various sectors.
“This integration is vital because it enables MyGov to display data and information from various agencies on a single platform, proactively check eligibility, and simplify and expedite the process of applying for assistance.
“To ensure secure and effective interaction between MyGov and the NDR, several key protocols must be enforced, including the use of verified data from trusted sources and explicit user consent. Both measures will help ensure that government systems share data more securely and effectively, while enhancing public trust in how information is managed,” Wilson added.
