PRESS RELEASE

DATA SHARING ACT 2025 COMES INTO EFFECT TODAY; SET TO ENHANCE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, PROTECT PERSONAL DATA

Today marks a historic milestone for Malaysia as the much-anticipated Data Sharing Act 2025 comes into effect.

The law is important as it provides a legal and structured framework for secure and efficient sharing of data between ministries and federal government agencies. The Data Sharing Act 2025 creates a process by which requests can be made for data by the said federal agencies, and how such requests will be dealt with.

The National Data Sharing Committee will carry out a strict evaluation when an application is made according to the criteria set in the Act - in deciding whether or not the data requested can be shared. This promotes accountability while ensuring personal data remains safe.

This new Act is set to enhance public service delivery, allowing government departments to access shared data in real time. This will result in faster decisionmaking and better coordination in public services.

The sharing and analysis of data are essential for technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), particularly for developing applications for various sectors, such as healthcare, agriculture, and urban planning, resulting in innovative and realistic solutions. Through this legislation, and the establishment of the National AI Office (NAIO), the MADANI Government’s aspiration to create an AI nation will be further accelerated.

The Data Sharing Act 2025 will also create a more connected and data-driven Government that will benefit Malaysians, safeguard their welfare, and promote economic growth.

I urge all state governments to introduce similar legislation which will facilitate data sharing across federal, states and local government agencies which will benefit the country as a whole. We are also in the process of engaging industry players to find mechanisms that will enable the sharing of data between the government and the industry in the near future.

This will enable greater use of technology, data driven governance and future technology solutions which will enable our country to optimise the benefits of technology for the Rakyat, moving ahead.

YB GOBIND SINGH DEO

MINISTER OF DIGITAL

APRIL 28, 2025

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Issued by:

Office of the Minister

Ministry of Digital, Malaysia