The government’s approach to digitalisation appears chaotic. The constant launching, replacing and upgrading of government applications has created confusion for the public while raising serious questions about the waste of taxpayers’ money. The government must immediately come clean and disclose the actual costs involved.

Instead of implementing a clear long-term strategy, the government appears to be introducing new apps whenever it pleases. From MyJPJ to numerous other platforms, Malaysians are expected to keep downloading new applications, relearning systems and adapting to changes that often seem unnecessary. This is not efficient governance but poor planning.

Take the latest upgrade of MyJPJ. The so-called improvement appears to be the addition of an AI chatbot. If that is the case, the public deserves to know why further public funds were required and how much was spent.

This pattern has happened before. myBorderPass was introduced, yet before users had time to familiarise themselves with it, it was replaced by the similar MyNiise. Until today, no proper explanation has been given as to why the switch was necessary or what the total cost was.

At present, Malaysians are faced with a confusing list of government-related apps, including MyJPJ, myUbat, MyTax, MyDigital ID and many more. Why was there no serious effort from the beginning to develop a proper integrated “super app” that allows people to access multiple services in one place?

Today, every visit to a different government department may require the public to download another new app. Many people are unsure which platform is still active and which has already been replaced. This digitalisation is not people-friendly.

Every app involves development, upgrades, maintenance and vendor costs – all of which were paid by taxpayers. The rakyat have the right to know whether proper cost-benefit studies were conducted, how much was spent, what improvements were achieved, and who benefited from these repeated changes.

If the government cannot explain even basic spending, public trust will continue to decline. I call on the government to immediately publish the full costs of developing, upgrading and maintaining all related apps, and give Malaysians the transparency they deserve.

Saw Yee Fung
MCA Youth Secretary General

28 April 2026

-MCA Comm-