S'wak will discuss implementation of targeted subsidies with Federal Govt, says state Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

KUCHING: Sarawak will discuss with the Federal Government how to implement targeted subsidies for eligible recipients in the state, says a Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department.

Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said this was important to ensure that the people's interests, particularly their data, was protected.

"The Sarawak government, through the relevant state and federal agencies, will identify the best mechanism to channel targeted subsidies to ensure that no eligible Sarawakian will be left out.

"Actually, we are ready to implement the Federal Government's targeted subsidies using existing data from state agencies, similar to what we implemented for our Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) scheme," she told the Sarawak Legislative Assembly during question time on Tuesday (May 7).

Sharifah Hasidah also said the state government would hold discussions with Putrajaya on ensuring data security in the Central Database Hub (Padu).

She said Sarawak had previously stated its stand to suspend the implementation of Padu in the state pending clarifications from the Federal Government on issues of data security and cyber threats.

"The method of implementing Padu in Sarawak will also be discussed to ensure its effectiveness," she said.

To a supplementary question from Razaili Gapor (GPS-Beting Maro), Sharifah Hasidah said the main issue with the implementation of Padu in Sarawak involved data security and integrity.

She said cybercrime cases involving the breach or misuse of data were increasing and reached a record high last year.

"With no strong laws in place, the Padu system may be vulnerable or exposed. The lack of a legal framework implies that there is no guarantee that the system is fully protected.

"Consolidating the data of all Malaysians in one central database would have to be equipped with the highest level of security," she said.

Sharifah Hasidah added that the Sarawak Multimedia Authority was monitoring cyber and data security for the public and private sectors in the state.

"The Sarawak government will also ensure that data for the purpose of targeted subsidies at state agencies comply with cybersecurity governance to protect the people's personal data," she said