Sarawak's digital transformation journey is about to take a major leap forward. Beginning in 2026, SarawakPass—the state's newly launched digital identity platform—will be officially integrated with the federal government's MyDigital ID system. This move aims to create a seamless, interoperable identity ecosystem for Malaysians, especially those living and working in Sarawak.
This development follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Sarawak Government and the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) on 28 November 2025. The collaboration signals a clear intention: build a secure, unified digital identity framework that works across both state and national services.
Why the Integration Matters
For years, Malaysia has been moving towards a national digital identity system, but each state has had its own pace and approach. Sarawak, in particular, has taken proactive steps—first with SarawakID, and now with its upgraded successor, SarawakPass. Integrating it with MyDigital ID means users will no longer be confined to siloed systems.
This partnership allows:
According to Sarawak's Utility and Telecommunication Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, this marks a significant milestone in strengthening Malaysia's overall digital identity landscape. He emphasised that the MOU formalises Sarawak's alignment with federal standards, creating a level of digital trust that benefits both authorities and end users.
A Closer Look at SarawakPass: More Than Just a Login System
Launched in October 2025, SarawakPass is essentially a reimagined version of SarawakID, redesigned to deliver a faster, more secure, and more feature-rich identity experience. While it may sound like just another login app, it actually plays a larger role in Sarawak's digital government strategy.
Key features include:
SarawakPass incorporates public key infrastructure (PKI), a technology widely used in banking and secure online transactions. This ensures stronger authentication compared to typical username-password systems.
Users can store digital credentials, access benefits, and potentially make secure digital transactions as new services roll out.
The app connects directly with state initiatives under the MyBenefit umbrella, allowing residents to check eligibility and access various government aid programmes.
Sarawak aims to use SarawakPass as the single entry point for all state services—ranging from utilities to licensing, healthcare, and public administration.
How the Integration Will Work
Once the system goes live in Q1 2026, the experience for end users will feel much more connected.
For SarawakPass users:
You'll be able to access federal services—such as tax systems, federal licensing portals, and other platforms requiring MyDigital ID—without creating a separate account.
For MyDigital ID users:
You'll gain access to Sarawak's digital services without needing to register again on SarawakPass. The two systems will "talk" to each other through a secure, verified identity protocol.
In short, it's single sign-on, but on a national–state level.
What This Means for Malaysia's Future Digital Ecosystem
This integration signals a broader trend: Malaysia is steadily building towards a nationwide, interoperable digital identity infrastructure. With Sarawak being among the first states to tightly align with MyDigital ID, it could set the standard for similar collaborations across the country.
If implemented well, users can expect:
For Sarawak, it positions the state as a leader in digital governance. For Malaysia, it's a significant move toward creating a trusted national identity layer that supports future digital economy initiatives.
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