The MM chip has arrived

Malaysia has launched the world's smallest microchip with radio technology.

Dubbed the Malaysia Microchip (MM) and measuring just 0.7mm by 0.7mm, the chip is so small it can be embedded on paper.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who launched the microchip last week, said some of the applications being developed for it would help improve the public service delivery system.

For example, he said, it could help counter the forgery of government documents, currency notes, halal certificates, medical products and compact discs.

The Home Ministry will soon be rolling out the first government application: RFID-enabled holographic security labels to verify the authenticity of CDs and DVDs, to combat piracy.

The ministry is also looking to embed the chips on marriage and birth certificates to counter forgery, among other things.

Three versions of the chip were developed after the Malaysian government in 2003 bought the technology and the rights to design, manufacture and market the chip from Japan's FEC.