Accepting Multipurpose “Smart” Identity Cards in a Developing Country

Abstract

The Malaysian government has issued multipurpose smart identity cards for citizens in two regions of the country. The MyKad card stores basic identifying information, thumbprints and a digital photo. It serves as a drivers license (DL), passport, health card, automated teller machine card, stored value transportation card and electronic payment system card. This paper uses two research frameworks based on a technology awareness model to examine the factors affecting user acceptance of MyKad as a national identity card (NIC) and as a DL. Findings show that Malaysian have strong acceptance of MyKad as a NIC and a DL. However, they are concerned about issues related to privacy, civil liberties, fines, the cost of upgrading and durability when adopting the NIC application. Issues related to ease of reading, ease of updating, recognition, and availability of card readers are concerns when adopting the DL application. Results also show that Malaysians are not convinced of the benefits of MyKad such as added security, prevention of identity card misuse and forgery, convenience of carrying fewer cards, increase in accuracy of summons information and increase in efficiency of enforcement officers. The current lack of understanding and conviction using MyKad applications may be due to the lack of promotional materials educating users on the benefits of the card. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are discussed.