Padu can put an end to hardcore poverty, says Anwar

PETALING JAYA: The newly launched Central Database Hub (Padu) could put an end to hardcore poverty in the country, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said Padu will enable efficient delivery of targeted subsidies, a priority for the government in 2024.

"The government has spent more than RM22bil to help the poor and those in need, especially in rural and remote areas," Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said in a post on Facebook Wednesday (Jan 3).

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"However, the earlier system was inefficient and prevented groups from receiving the full benefit, where subsidies of nearly RM80bil which should be benefiting the needy were also enjoyed by 3.5 million foreigners and the wealthy," he said.

Anwar said due to this, hardcore poverty still existed even after RM22bil in expenditure and RM80bil in subsidies that were supposed to reach the poor.

"Padu was launched with the aim of ensuring only the needy can enjoy subsidies and other benefits through targeted subsidies," he added.

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Anwar, on Aug 15, had said in the Dewan Rakyat that the government was still struggling to lift a substantial number of hardcore poor families out of poverty.

The deadline for Padu registration, touted to be the most comprehensive database in the country, will be on March 31.