PETALING JAYA: The nation is a step closer to implementing targeted aid once the Cabinet meets to discuss the updated details of some 17.65 million Malaysian households under the Central Database Hub (Padu) system, says Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin (pic).
“The Statistics Department will spend the next two to three weeks analysing the data before presenting it to the Economy Minister, who will then present it to the Cabinet to discuss which ministry is to design the appropriate aid programmes.
“We are hoping that all this can be done by the end of this month,” the nation’s chief statistician said when contacted yesterday.
Asked about the possible types of aid and a timeframe for their implementation, he said this will depend on the findings of the analysis and how the programmes will be implemented by the respective agencies.
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“The aid programmes will definitely be different from what was previously done, where blanket aid was provided according to income thresholds.
“With the updated data, we will be able to look at the actual household income by studying information such as expenditure based on locality to allow the government to come out with targeted aid,” he added.
At present, he said there is sufficient data under Padu for the government to go ahead with drafting targeted aid programmes.
“We now have the updated data of 17.65 million Malaysian households, which includes those below 18.
“This presents 56.8% of the updated data out of the 30.08 existing administrative data,” he said.
Asked about the fate of those who had missed the March 31 deadline to register with Padu and whether they would get aid, Mohd Uzir said yes.
“We have integrated the existing administrative data and already have details of those who had previously received aid even though they did not register with Padu.
“This includes those who have received student aid, Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) and aid for the Orang Asli,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Uzir said that those who had registered with Padu before the March 31 deadline could still update their data.
“They can still update their data because they registered with Padu before the end of the deadline.
“However, they must do it as soon as possible,” he said.
The clarification was made after several members of the public who had registered with Padu before March 31 found that they were still able to update their details on April 1.
