Why does MySejahtera exclude citizens without smartphones?

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MySejahtera's Design Excludes Citizens Lacking Smartphones and the Disabled

The MySejahtera application's design and communication strategy for vaccine registration have inadvertently excluded segments of the population, particularly individuals without smartphones and those with disabilities. This exclusion arises from an assumption that all users can access and operate a smartphone, coupled with a lack of clear alternative channels for registration and information dissemination. The current approach leaves vulnerable groups "hanging," without adequate guidance on how to navigate the vaccination process.
MySejahtera Assumes Smartphone Accessibility

The core of the exclusion lies in MySejahtera's fundamental reliance on smartphone technology. The application is designed with the implicit assumption that all potential users possess and can operate a smartphone. This presents a significant barrier for individuals who cannot afford a smartphone or lack the technical proficiency to navigate its functions. The system's design flaw is its assumption that disabled individuals can be registered solely as dependents on family members' apps, overlooking those who may not have family support or the means to utilize such a feature.
Gaps in Communication and Alternative Channels

Beyond the technical dependency on smartphones, the rollout and communication surrounding vaccine registration have failed to adequately address those without digital access. The article highlights a lack of clear information regarding alternative registration methods for individuals who are unable to use MySejahtera. For instance, there is no readily available information detailing how those without smartphones or the disabled should proceed, especially following the announcement of special vaccination centres (PPVs) for the disabled. This absence of a clear, accessible process, whether through manual registration, phone-based assistance, or offline support, exacerbates the exclusion.
The Intersection of Disability and Digital Access

The article points to a critical intersection between disability and the lack of smartphone access, suggesting that MySejahtera is not inherently disabled-friendly. This lack of user-friendliness stems not only from the app's technical requirements but also from the failure to provide accessible pathways for registration and information. The assumption that disabled individuals can be seamlessly integrated as dependents on family apps fails to account for the diverse circumstances of disabled persons, including those who may be isolated or lack the necessary technological resources. Consequently, both the disabled and those without smartphones are left behind in the vaccination drive due to these systemic oversights.

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Why does MySejahtera exclude citizens without smartphones?

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