Suspend Padu until flaws resolved, says ex-deputy minister

PETALING JAYA: The newly-launched Central Database Hub (Padu) should be suspended for now until or unless all flaws surrounding the database hub are resolved, said former deputy international trade minister Ong Kian Ming.

The former Bangi MP pointed out that one major flaw of Padu is the way it collects information.

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He said those receiving Bantuan Tunai Rahmah (BTR) will not fill in accurate information as they will have other non-taxed income such as rental income and land.

"And another question is why so many of these columns are not filled in as Padu should have consolidated data from a number of ministries and agencies," said Ong in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 3).

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On Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli's statement on X after the database was launched where he said information was not displayed because of security concerns, Ong questioned the requirement for personal information if it is already available through the ministries and agencies.

"Padu's requirement for additional data risks encouraging the public from giving accurate information to stay eligible for government subsidies.

Ong said there was a major security issue with the registration of Padu as it could be done if you have the MyKad number and address of the user without having to go through the electronic Know Your Customer (E-KYC) process.

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"I am highlighting the flaws in Padu and hope it will be rectified before the next Parliamentary sitting, to prevent the Opposition making it a point of political debate," he added.

Padu, which was launched by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday (Jan 2) has been touted as the most comprehensive database established by the government with the system supposedly containing detailed individual and household profiles of all citizens in the country.

One of its primary goals is to help the government deliver targeted assistance with accumulated federal subsidies for petrol reaching hundreds of billions, with more than half used by high or upper middle-income earners.