Contact tracing app Gerak Malaysia has been unusable the last few days, according to a few users.
The core function of the app is to allow Malaysians to embark on interstate travel, but that option has been disabled.
This comes after Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced on May 15 that interstate crossing can only be done after obtaining a police permit. Those found to have broken the law would “face stern action,” he said.
This latest rule, however, is not reflected on the Gerak Malaysia website. The app is still downloadable on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
According to its FAQs available on the website, the Gerak Malaysia app “serves as a travelling permission application platform for Malaysians who wish to travel across states during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).”
Further, the app “will use mobility data to assist the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in traffic movement control and to assist the Ministry of Health (MOH) in contact tracing. The QR Code generated by this application serves as a digital authorisation permit for Interstate Travel and other types of travelling as needed.”
But since its inception, three major criticisms had been levelled against the app. First is on security concerns since Gerak Malaysia uses geolocation data to track and control traffic. Second is the app’s ability to handle a high number of interstate travel applications. Third is regarding the identity of the vendor and tender bidding process since the developer registered on Apple and Google is simply labelled the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. – May 20, 2020
