The government is set to roll out the National Data Repository (NDR), or National Data Bank, by 2026 to streamline data integration and improve public service delivery, said Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.
He explained that key steps are underway, including assessing current ecosystem needs, establishing national-level data management policies, standardising data storage formats across agencies, and identifying necessary infrastructure and workforce requirements.
Speaking during Minister’s Question Time in Parliament, Wilson said the NDR will integrate government data, allowing information from multiple agencies to appear on the my.gov portal. This will make aid applications faster and simpler, while enabling more targeted support for the public.
Wilson stressed that only verified data, with user and agency consent, will be used to ensure secure integration and maintain public trust.
In response to questions from Kubang Pasu MP Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail, he said the NDR will consolidate data from all ministries and agencies under a single platform, reducing duplication and improving efficiency. The initiative aims to provide faster digital services, ensure precise government aid distribution, promote innovation and the digital economy through open data access, and support AI development and data-driven policymaking locally.
Addressing infrastructure readiness, Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu was told the government will evaluate whether existing facilities, including the Public Sector Data Centre (PDSA), MyGovNet, Government Key Public Infrastructure, and Government Central Data Exchange, are sufficient to support the NDR.
Earlier, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo announced that the National Digital Department is drafting a public sector data digitalisation policy as part of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). The policy will identify existing data across all ministries and agencies and is expected to be completed by year-end.
Once implemented, data storage will become a priority for the Digital Ministry through the establishment of the Data Bank, as outlined in the 13MP.
