Wan Junaidi launches the WaveJak palm vein verification technology while Fauziah (left) looks on.

KUCHING (April 4): A new verification technology using palm vein artificial intelligence (AI) technology, WaveJak, has officially been launched for holders of the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) and beneficiaries of the Senior Citizens Health Benefit (SCHB).

Sarawak Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the system, developed by Socoe Sdn Bhd, allows users to be verified by simply scanning their palms without the need for a phone, wallet or physical contact.

“The technology offers a high level of security and is effective in preventing fraud and identity theft,” she said at the launch ceremony.

She noted that similar technologies are already used in countries such as Dubai, Japan, Singapore, China and Korea, adding that WaveJak is the first of its kind in Malaysia, placing Sarawak in line with global smart AI technology trends.

“You may forget your phone or wallet, but you will never forget your hand,” she said.

The launch was officiated by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi in conjunction with the ‘Senior Citizen: We CARE for You’ programme at Taman Sukma Multipurpose Hall.

Fatimah also expressed appreciation to senior citizens, describing them as the “backbone of society who have contributed significantly to Sarawak’s development.”

WaveJak project manager Nicholas Chan said the system differs from traditional verification methods such as MyKad, facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, which have certain limitations.

“With WaveJak, users only need to place their palm over a contactless scanner, and the system identifies them through unique palm vein patterns,” he said when met by reporters.

He added that the system is integrated with the KGC database to assist senior citizens who may forget to bring their wallet or MyKad.

“When they make transactions at partner outlets such as Normah, PMG or Mydin, the system will identify them as KGC members and automatically apply eligible discounts,” he said.

Chan said palm-based identification was chosen for its convenience and suitability for seniors or individuals with limited mobility.

He added that a pilot programme will be implemented soon with the ministry, with scope and duration to be determined based on success criteria.

WaveJak is expected to be rolled out in Kuching before expanding to other parts of Sarawak.

The post Sarawak launches WaveJak, offering contactless AI palm scan for senior citizens appeared first on Borneo Post Online.

 Borneo Post Online