Extensive initiative: Rafizi posing for pictures at the press conference held at Menara Prisma in Putrajaya. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: While it is not compulsory for members of the public to update their information on the soon-to-be-launched national central database or Padu, this means that their eligibility for targeted subsidies will be based on details already available in the government system, says Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
The registration and update of information under Padu will take place for three months from Jan 2 to March 31.
“No action will be taken if they decide not to update their information in the Padu system.
“However, if one chooses to opt out, his or her eligibility for targeted subsidies will be determined according to whatever information that is already available in the government system,” he told reporters here yesterday.
Rafizi said that as three million of the 12 million workforce in the country are employed in the informal sector, their information might not be updated in the government database.
“With Padu in place, these individuals would have the opportunity to update their information,” he added.
The minister said Padu, which will be launched by the Prime Minister next Tuesday, is meant to have an accurate household profile for the government to implement targeted subsidies.
Rafizi also gave an assurance that information to be collected by Padu would be safe.
He said while the information is integrated with those of ministries and agencies, such as the National Registration Department and the Education and Higher Education Ministries, the system will not be linked to banks.
He also reiterated that the central database hub will be fully owned and made by the government with no private contractors involved.
“Padu is a product of the expertise of civil servants. The database (uses) existing allocations and infrastructure without having to open new tenders to private parties,” he said.
All Malaysians aged 18 and above are encouraged to visit the Padu portal to access their profile and update or verify their personal information.
A total of 39 different pieces of personal information will be included in a Padu profile.
The system has been in development since June this year, and will see integration with MyDigital ID, the country’s national digital identification system, at a later date.
