Document Imaging Systems: Key to Electronic Government in Malaysia

A “Document Imaging System” may be regarded as a system that captures hardcopy documents, converts the documents to digital image format, and provides electronic storage, search/retrieval, and security facilities. The use of document imaging system technology offer a potential method to increase worker efficiency, reduce the number of employees, improve service, reduce storage space, consolidate or eliminate duplication of work by different government offices. This paper discusses the introduction and historical background on document imaging systems, the development and maturity of ICT in Malaysia as well as Malaysian experience in implementing its document imaging systems known as GOE-EGDMS (Generic Office Environment - Electronic Government Document Management System). Monitored by Malaysian Administration Modernization and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU), this project was one of the seven Electronic Government Flagships which started in 1996. Public organizations have increasingly used information and IT to accomplish day-to-day, operational work activities and to manage the future corporate records. The project will improve both how the government operates internally as well as how it delivers services to the people of Malaysia. It seeks to improve the convenience, accessibility and quality of interactions with citizens and businesses; simultaneously, it will improve information flows and processes within government to improve the speed and quality of policy development, coordination and enforcement.