It’s tedious and there are fears about personal data safety, says MP
THE people should not be coerced to register under the Central Database Hub (Padu), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng.
“As of Feb 15 this year, it was reported that only 3.43 million or 10% of the population had updated their latest information on the Padu portal.
“This is a very low number given that only a month is left to do so.
“What is worrying is that the Economy Minister had previously stated that there is a possible risk of Malaysians losing out on getting targeted subsidies if they do not update their data.
“I view this as illogical as it seems as though the rakyat are being forced or threatened to register with Padu,” Wee (BN-Tanjung Piai) said when debating the motion of thanks on the royal address in Parliament yesterday.
He also said to achieve 100% online registration rate under Padu may be difficult as there are Malaysians who have no proper Internet access or are not digital savvy, particularly in the rural areas.
He said that Padu registration was a tedious process involving some 40 questions under eight sections, which must be fully completed.
“It also requires the rakyat to fill in confidential information,” he said, adding that there is worry over personal data safety because Padu is not bound by the Personal Data Protection Act.
“It is as though the government had already intended from the start to relinquish responsibility in the event of a data leak in the future,” the Tanjung Piai MP added.
Wee suggested that the government enact a specific law, which would hold government bodies accountable for data leaks.
He also said that the government could rely on existing data from the various agencies to provide Rahmah Cash Aid to the target groups, instead of bulldozing the Padu system.
