By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, March 20 — The state government is considering new engagement strategies, including door-to-door visits, to boost registration for the Central Database Hub (Padu), said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
This is after it was revealed that Selangor is the state with the most uncovered areas in the country.
According to Amirudin, Selangor faces complex challenges in driving up registration due to its large population.
“We have conducted registration for state civil servants and set up Padu counters at government offices and service centres.
“However, we have not yet appointed new village heads and several councillors. Typically, these leaders can assist in encouraging people within their communities to register for these initiatives.
“We are now exploring other strategies to encourage voluntary registration, and I need to discuss this matter further with the Economy Ministry.
“We have also set up booths for Padu registration at state programmes, but we may need to consider appointing individuals to go door-to-door as well,” he said at a press conference after an event at the state administrative headquarters, here, today.
Amirudin was responding to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli’s revelation yesterday that a total of 4,752 areas nationwide have been identified where residents have not registered with Padu or any government assistance programme.
Selangor tops the list with 1,282 areas, followed by Kuala Lumpur (992), Sarawak (765), Sabah (620), Johor (271), Penang (243), Kelantan (228), Kedah (157), Pahang (70), Perak (67), Terengganu (35), Negeri Sembilan (eight), Perlis (seven), Putrajaya (five), and Melaka (two).
Meanwhile, Amirudin reiterated his commitment to resolving the outstanding issue of local councillor and village head appointments.
He expressed hope for a resolution to be achieved within the next two weeks, following discussions with Selangor Umno chief Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin.
