E-Government in Malaysia

E-government Implementation

E-government basically range from “the use of information technology to make it convenient for movement of information to overcome the physical bounds of traditional paper and physical based systems” to “the use of technology to enhance the access and delivery of government services to benefit citizens, business partners and employees.” The government has put in numerous effort to introduce e-government. At this stage, the government has so far implemented four types of e-government services that are Government-to-Citizen (G2C), Government-to-Business (G2B), Government-to-Employee (G2E), and Government-to-Government (G2G).

G2C refers to information dissemination to the public, basic citizen services such as license renewals, ordering of birth or death or marriage certificates and filing of income taxes, as well as citizen assistance for basic services such as education, health care, hospital information, libraries, and so on.

Business services offered through G2B includes obtaining current business information, downloading application forms, renewing licenses, registering businesses, obtaining permits and payment of taxes.

To renew road tax online, please refer to:
http://www.jpj.gov.my/

On the other hand, G2E services encompass G2C services as well as specialized services that govern only government employees, such as the provision of human resource training and development that improve the bureaucracy’s day-to-day functions and dealings with citizens.

Lastly, G2G services take place at two levels which are at local or domestic level and at the international level. G2G services are transactions between central or national and local governments, and between department-level and attached agencies and bureaus. At the same time, G2G services refer to transactions between governments and can be used as an instrument of international relations and diplomacy.

Citizen’s Adoption Strategies

Although the government has developed e-government, there are still many citizens that do not utilize the facilities provided by the government due to several reasons. First of all, the government should educate the citizen on the usefulness and method of using the e-government. There is no doubt that many of us do not know about the e-government especially those who are not receiving education or illiterate in using computer and internet. The government should let the citizen know that e-government is helpful in their daily life such as having access to hospital or library information. An individual do not have to waste time and physically present at the hospital to inquire about a particular matter.

Next, internet security breakdown and the increasing number of hackers that are able to access to our system to get hold of our data and change the data contributes to lacking use of e-government. For instance, many people feel insecure with transferring money and personal data through internet to the government even though security is imposed by the government. Therefore, the government must let the citizen has confidence in using e-government and the individual must be able to overcome their fear and insecurities.

Citizen also plays an important role in using the e-government. It is pointless that the government has made an effort to initiate the use of e-government but the citizen has done nothing. Those people who do not own a computer should purchase a computer first. After that, they should master the way of using internet to adopt e-government system.

To conclude, the government and citizen must cooperate and work together to make the implementation of e-government a success. Ultimately, e-government aims to enhance access to and delivery of government services to benefit citizens.

For further information, please refer to:

http://www.intanbk.intan.my/psimr/editorial.htm