FAQs about Malaysia's MySejahtera app's Trace function

Dr Mahesh Appannan, Head of Data, Malaysia's Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre, shared that user data is neither shared nor compromised while using MySJ Trace.

On Tuesday (4 January 2022), Malaysia's Ministry of Health (Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia) answered a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) about MySejahtera app's Trace function (MySJ Trace), a feature that uses the mobile's Bluetooth function to provide live tracking of interactions between users to detect close contacts should there be any cases of COVID-19.

Its answers were released in Bahasa Melayu on its Facebook page. Read on for the English version:

Q Why is there interaction even though I am sitting at home alone?

The Bluetooth signal can be detected up to 10 metres. This, however, does not mean you will be categorised as a casual contact as it depends on the following factors:

• Body;
• Other tools;
• Electronic lock, and
• Phone position (held or in a pocket).

Q Why do I still need to check in with a QR scan?

MySJ Trace only requires activation of the function by the user. However, not everyone will use this system. Therefore, MOH still needs information from check-in to do contact tracking quickly, especially if it involves the potential for large clusters.

Through MySJ Trace, a person who is confirmed positive for COVID-19 will be notified, and asked for permission to obtain and share their close contact information. If the user allows it, KKM will have access to relevant information to assess the risk to the detected close contact data. Otherwise, close contact detection will be done manually, which will involve further investigation of case travel history information, and meetings with other individuals.

Dr Mahesh Appannan, Head of Data, Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre, shared on Twitter that users "can be assured that user data are not shared or compromised while using MySJ Trace, as the data would only be stored in the user's mobile phone".

Additionally, "users will only be asked to share the data of their history of up to 14 days if they are COVID-19 positive, so that notifications can be sent to those considered as close contacts".

ICYMI: 10 FAQs about Malaysia's MySejahtera app

Image / Kementerian Sumber Manusia

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