Malaysian MyKad project moves forward with Unisys

02 May 2006

Unisys has announced that its subsidiary Unisys MSC has been awarded a two-year US$5 million contract as part of the national rollout of Malaysia’s MyKad smart card project. Malaysia’s MyKad identity card is a government-issued multi-application smart card and more than 19 million card have been issued to date.

MyKad combines chip and biometric technology, and will eventually enable more than 24 million Malaysians to perform transactions with the government and private sector through the use of a single smart card.

An important aspect of any ID cad scheme is ensuring the application runs smoothly. Under the new contract, Unisys will ensure that MyKad will operate 24x7 at the Government Service Centre data centre. This includes preventative and corrective maintenance support towards the hardware systems and software applications, including the Unisys ES7000 and ES2045 servers that are anchoring this implementation.

This latest contract follows on from Unisys’ role in the development of the MyKad project which commenced in 1999. (The company was the prime systems integrator.)

MyKad Features

Technology: 

• standard credit card sized plastic token with an embedded ATMEL 64kb EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read – Only Memory) chip;
• embedded Public Key Infrastructure: to enable secure transactions and authentication on the Internet, controlled by a private and public key.
• tamper proof and enhanced security: Two-way challenge authentication to prevent hackers and the cloning of MyKad. This feature also helps to secure ATM transactions to prevent incidences of fraud.

Functionality: 

• single card for all: The national identification card and driving license are combined in one card which also acts as the access key to other services.
• efficient exit and re-entry (Autogate feature): Instant passport information facilitates efficient exit and re-entry of Malaysians at Malaysian immigration checkpoints.
• medical emergency assistance: Health records are available for instant information during emergencies and general treatment.
• easy and flexible payment: E-cash facilities enable cashless financial transactions. Its re-loadable e-purse, branded locally as MEPS-Cash, is accepted at government agencies, restaurants, clinics, bookshops and petrol stations in designated areas. It also incorporates ’Touch ’n Go’ functions allowing the holder to make payment for toll, car parking, bus fares and LRT charges. It can now also be used as an ATM card for banks providing this facility.