The RM338 Million Deal Behind the Mysejahtera App

If you've been using the MySejahtera app, you've probably noticed the "MySJ Trace" feature. But what exactly is it, and why does the Ministry of Health (MOH) need it?

In short, MySJ Trace is a contact tracing tool designed to help the government manage the COVID-19 pandemic more effectively . It uses your phone's Bluetooth to "talk" to other devices nearby, helping the authorities identify people who might have been in close contact with someone who tested positive .

How does it work?

Think of it as a digital handshake. When your phone is near another device that also has MySJ Trace turned on, they exchange a Unique User ID (UUID) and signal strength data .

This information is stored safely and is only processed by the MOH . If you happen to test positive for COVID-19, you can choose to upload this data to a secure government database, which helps the ministry notify others who may have been exposed .

Is my data safe?

Privacy is a big concern for many, but the government has clarified that MySejahtera and MySJ Trace are owned and run by the Government of Malaysia .

Officials have promised that all data collected follows strict national security standards . The feature was built through a team effort involving several agencies, including MOSTI, the MOH, MAMPU, and MIMOS .

A quick look at the app's history

While the app is a public health tool, it has also been involved in some major business deals. Back in 2022, court documents showed that the app's developer, Entomo Malaysia Sdn Bhd, agreed to hand over the intellectual property and software license to MySJ Sdn Bhd. The deal was worth RM338.6 million and is set to run until the end of 2025 .