E-Government in Malaysia: Its implementation so far and citizen’s adoption strategies.

E-government also known as online government, it refers to the use of internet technology for exchanging information, providing services and transacting with citizens, businesses and other governments of other countries and it maybe applied by legislature, judiciary, or administration. The primary delivery models are Government-to-Citizen (G2C), Government-to-Business (G2B) and Government-to-Government (G2G) & Government-to-Employees (G2E). The implementation of electronic government started since the initiation of Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC)by the Malaysian government. The current applications of e-Government in Malaysia such as e-Filling, Renewing Road Tax and Driving License online, KWSP’s i-Akaun, E-Perolehan, Electronic Labour Exchange and so on.

There are some common problems encountered by consumers such as the languages available of e-Government applications are more on English and Malay. Some Chinese consumers are not proficient in those languages, so they are rarely or even do not using the e-Government applications. Besides, lack of computer knowledge is another factor for those who reluctant to adopt the applications, this especially holds true for the senior citizens. Furthermore, some consumers do hold the traditional opinion that is not secured deal with computer rather than people (internet security problems).

In order to encourage more citizens to use the e-government applications, the government can implement Chinese version to those consumers who are not proficient in English and Malay. Moreover, it can also promote the e-Government services through media such as advertisement of television, radio, newspaper and so forth. Whereas creating E-campaign for asking people to join the activities by giving free gift to consumers is also another way to encourage more citizens to use the e-government applications. In addition, organising road show at shopping mall during weekend and teaching them to use computer are indeed good strategies, too.

In short, using the e-Government applications can create awareness about the convenience of internet because it brings several benefits such as no traffic jam, save time and cost, and user friendly. The implementation of these good strategies must be addressed carefully. Otherwise, e-Government will possibly mislead the citizens instead of achieving its main aim: empowering the citizens to complete their transactions anytime at anywhere!

By PeiCin