By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, March 23 — The government is currently not looking to extend the Central Database Hub (Padu) registration period for the public after it ends on March 31, said Economy Minister Mohd Rafizi Ramli.
He said this is to comply with the schedule for restructuring bulk subsidies into targeted subsidies, which the government intends to implement.
“The government had previously announced the targeted subsidies’ implementation will be considered from the second quarter (of this year) onwards since when we look at the timeline, the first quarter is necessary to address support system issues to provide assistance to the public.
“This is not a matter of why we cannot extend, but because we need to adhere to the bulk subsidies’ restructuring schedule,” Rafizi said during the town hall session on Padu at the Shah Alam City Council Convention Center today.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari was also in attendance.
The minister added that extending the registration deadline will affect the duration of implementing the targeted subsidies.
“If we extend it, we will continue to delay the targeted subsidies’ implementation. For example, if we postpone the implementation of targeted subsidies for a month, it means the government will have to bear at least RM2 billion for bulk oil (petrol) subsidies.
“Yet, this amount, if distributed to needy families, will benefit many,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rafizi said a total of 7.07 million individuals nationwide have updated their data in Padu as of yesterday.
He expects over 10 million individuals to update their data by the March 31 deadline.
“Since its launch on January 2, approximately 50,000 individuals update their information every day.
“As we approach the deadline, approximately 350,000 individuals update their data daily, which we expect to increase drastically as the deadline approaches,” Rafizi said.
As for Selangor, 1,224 areas have been identified where the residents have not updated their data in Padu, with apartment residence types recording the highest number at 791 areas.
“As we all know, in Selangor, those residing in apartments are mostly low- or middle-income groups, especially in low-cost apartments.
“However, their information has not been updated in the Padu system, and we are concerned there may be omissions when subsidy targeting is carried out in the future.
“As such, we ask that local leaders, residents’ associations, and joint management bodies cooperate in emphasising the importance of updating information in Padu,” he said.
According to the official Padu Facebook page, as of yesterday, 1.08 million Selangor residents have updated their information in the system.
During the town hall session, Rafizi said Padu is supervised and developed using civil service expertise without involving third parties.
Doing so will minimise the issues of data and information leaks, as civil servants are subject to the Official Secrets Act 1972.
“Involving third parties or external contractors carries a risk (of data leakage) since they are not subject to the Act. All civil servants are subject to the Official Secrets Act, and in the event of a leak they face imprisonment.
“My team and I, from the Economy Ministry, the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the National Digital Department, and the National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa), will ensure that the process, from planning to implementation, will prioritise data and system security.
“The measures taken (to protect data and systems) meet international standards,” he said.
Since Padu’s launch on January 2 this year until today, the authorities have recorded attempted breaches which have proven to be unsuccessful, with the system remaining secure.
“I understand the concerns about data leaks, as there have been cases before. But if the leak comes from telecommunications companies, do not blame the government.
“Do not blame the government just because private companies are experiencing information leaks.
“I have not seen Malaysians taking legal action against private companies for information leaks even though there are laws which allow for such steps,” Rafizi said.
He added that an integrated main database is important for the people to ensure subsidy targeting’s accuracy and to help those who are truly eligible.
“Be cautious in giving opinions because we cannot overlook the fact that the existence of an integrated main database is crucial for the people.
“Just because of our prior experience with private companies or government departments leaking information, we should not outright reject the concept of having an integrated main database which allows the government to implement various programmes that provide significant benefits to the people,” Rafizi said.
Padu, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on January 2, became a single platform for individual and household information, thereby enhancing the efficiency of subsidy distribution and aid to eligible Malaysians.
Registration can be done at www.padu.gov.my from January 2 to March 31.
