PUTRAJAYA: Registrations for the second phase of the government's Central Database Hub (Padu) will open after the Cabinet approves several criteria currently being refined by the ministries involved, says Rafizi Ramli.
The Economy Minister said the government, through his ministry and the Finance Ministry as lead agencies, is finalising the details before presenting them to the Cabinet.
"I have mentioned in Parliament that any form of targeted subsidy for RON95 petrol will involve two implementation phases. The first is the back-end to determine those eligible and the second is the front-end involving operations at petrol stations.
"We had a meeting last week and plans regarding timelines and implementation are being discussed. Once the Cabinet agrees, only then can the Economy Ministry announce the timeline," he said.
Rafizi said he was confident that with clear explanation, more people would register with Padu to ensure they are not left out of any government assistance.
"If the public understands that verifying eligibility for RON95 subsidies relies on data from Padu and they don't register, they risk being excluded.
"I believe public registration will be higher this time compared to before," he said.
Approximately 55% of households registered for Padu during the first phase, primarily those in the low-income group.
"Previously, there was an assumption that the M40 group would not receive subsidies. Now, with the government clarifying that only the T15 and above are ineligible and the criteria announced, I think more will register," he added.
When Padu registration was opened earlier this year, data showed that most high-income earners felt there was no need for them to register as they were unlikely to qualify for subsidies. – Bernama
