In the past few days, you might have received an SMS asking you to download the SaveME 999 app. The app is released as part of the Next Generation Malaysian Emergency Response Services 999 (NG MERS 999) platform, which aims to provide efficient access to the Royal Malaysian Police, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (BOMBA), Department of Civil Defence and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
When the development deal was signed between TM and the government in mid-2024, it was mentioned that NG999 will enhance the sharing of resources and data between emergency responders and relevant central agencies. The new system will also integrate web-based digital maps, caller IDs, geolocation services and mobile smart apps into emergency incident handling to help improve emergency response time nationwide.
The SaveMe 999 app is now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and has gotten a rather poor 1.8 stars rating on the App Store and 2.9 stars rating on the Play Store.
According to the loading screen of the app, it mentions that SaveMe 999 app is a Malaysian Government initiative led by the Ministry of Communications but the app store lists Jabatan Digital Negara (Agency under Digital Ministry) as the developer.
Over complicated registration process, where’s MyDigital ID?
To set up SaveMe 999, the app requires a rather lengthy and registration process that’s more complicated that signing up for a Digital Bank. Not only you’ll need to create a username and password, you are also required to complete an ID verification by snapping a photo of your MyKad or valid ID.
That’s not all, you also need to verify your email address via OTP, and extra details including your home address.
It is also weird that SaveMe 999 doesn’t offer MyDigital ID as a login option. MyDigital ID was supposed to be made mandatory for all government apps moving forward and the implementation process would have made the sign up process significantly quicker and more secure.
What can you do with Saveme 999?
After setting up SaveMe 999, you will be required to login via “Biometric” or using the password. Requiring users to login is the last thing you want when it comes to a life threatening scenario. Reporting emergencies should be frictionless and we don’t see a point of having users to login just to report an emergency.
When we tested on the iPhone, the “Biometric” feature doesn’t seem to use FaceID and we are required to enter the 6-digit security pin for our device.
Once you’re in, you are given two options – Slide to call 999 or Slide to send a report.
Slide to Call 999 appears to be just as good as calling 999 on your phone’s dialer, so it is just an unnecessary duplicated feature.
However, the Slide to Send Report allows you to provide extra details such as your current address, type of incident and you can attach a voice note and video. The extra information can be very useful in providing emergency responders with more context, so they can send the required personnel and resources to the location.
However, take note that this feature will require an active internet connection and it would not work effectively if you’re in an area with poor 4G coverage.
Do we really need so many SOS and 999 apps?
It is also worth pointing out that there are at least three other SaveMe 999 apps on the app stores. This includes SaveMe 999 for the deaf, SaveMe 999 for the blind and SaveMe 999 Polis. These apps have been around for several years and it just creates unnecessary confusion and clutter for regular citizens. It would be better if MERS combines all of these apps into single app with dedicated interfaces for people with disability (OKU).
In case you didn’t know, modern smartphones already have their own built-in Emergency SOS feature which can be triggered by pressing the side power button 5 times (Android) or long press both side buttons (iPhone).
When you trigger SOS or if the phone detects an emergency situation such as a car crash (device dependent), it will call the local emergency service provider and include your location and other critical information to the emergency responders.
Instead of developing yet another extra government app, it would have been better if MERS work closely with device manufacturers and platforms such as Google, Apple and Huawei for better integration. Several modern flagship smartphones today even come with Emergency SOS with satellite which allows users to call for help in areas without any cellular connectivity.
SaveMe 999 seems to be yet another pointless government app
News Reports PH
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