KL launches world's first 'smart-card' for citizens
KL launches world's first 'smart-card' for citizens
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia launched the world's first
national "smart-card" for citizens Thursday as Prime Minister
Mahathir Mohamad held talks with global hi-tech chiefs to
accelerate development of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC).
The smart-card wraps passport, identification, driver's
license, medical and other personal details into one piece of
plastic the size of an ordinary credit card.
There are plans to expand the use of the card, which contains
features such as thumbprints and holograms to prevent forgery, to
include security access to homes and offices, and to pay for
public transportation and tolls.
Named "MyKad," it signals Malaysia's determination to embrace
the information age five years after it launched the MSC, a hi-
tech enclave modeled after California's Silicon Valley.
Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the "world's
first multi-application" card was part of the MSC's initiatives
to use cutting edge technology and expertise to make Malaysia a
major IT producer.
The New Straits Times said another smart card -- the Payment
Multipurpose Card -- would be launched in November with features
including debit and credit card facilities.
The launch of "MyKad" coincided with annual talks Thursday
between Mahathir and members of his MSC International Advisory
Panel to woo investors and speed up the development of the zone
amid the U.S. slowdown.
The MSC, which stretches about 50 kilometers (30 miles) south
from Kuala Lumpur to the new international airport, is the
brainchild of Mahathir who wants to turn Malaysia into a
developed nation by 2020.
While physical infrastructure has been largely put in place,
the MSC has been slow in attracting substantial investment from
global technology companies.
Mahathir earlier this year admitted that the hub had not
contributed to the economy as much as he expected. Critics
complained of a lack of focus, excessive bureaucratic red-tape
and a shortage of skilled labor.
There are 488 companies operating in the MSC, including 46
world-class firms with most of the rest local companies, the
Multimedia Development Corp (MDC) said in a statement Thursday.
MSC-status firms enjoy a host of tax and other privileges.