{
  "id": 2711500,
  "title": "Govt rules out RM7.5b Datasonic takeover amid identity security concerns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/govt-rules-out-rm7-5b-datasonic-takeover-amid-identity-security",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-23T03:42:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/business/126478/govt-rules-out-rm7.5b-datasonic-takeover-amid-identity-security-concerns"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian government has dismissed a proposed RM7.5 billion takeover of Datasonic Technologies Sdn Bhd, a supplier of passports and national identity cards. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns over the security and sovereignty of the country's identity infrastructure. Despite scrutiny, the National Security Council opted against acquiring Datasonic, citing the need to ensure value for public spending. Datasonic's contracts with the government remain valid until 2032, with a combined value of approximately RM2.46 billion. The company forms the core of NexG Bhd's business and significantly contributes to its revenue and earnings. The proposed acquisition was reportedly discussed verbally between Datasonic and NexG's parent company, NexG, in a meeting on July 24, with no formal written offer presented. NexG had initially placed an estimated value of RM7.5 billion on Datasonic, although this figure was not based on an independent valuation. The government's rejection of the takeover is expected to heighten focus on the security, control, and commercial value of Malaysia's identity infrastructure, given Datasonic's critical role in issuing national identity documents.",
  "summary": "THE government has ruled out a proposed RM7.5 billion acquisition of Datasonic Technologies Sdn Bhd, the company that supplies the government with passports and national identity cards, amid continued scrutiny of the security and sovereignty of the c...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}