PUTRAJAYA: Beginning next month, the Central Database Hub (Padu) will provide advanced analytic services to government agencies and ministries, evolving from its previous role of just verifying personal data.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the analytic services of Padu will assist the government in making targeted and data-driven policy decisions.
“For example, if the government provides a loan, we can run an analysis on the recipient’s capability to make repayments.
“On a larger scale, we can also analyse the ageing population.
“By combining socio-economic backgrounds with other parameters, we can accurately identify if specific government services can be offered to these groups in a targeted locality.
“We want to ensure that government decisions are not just based on estimates or hypotheses, but are backed by solid statistical elements and analysis,” he told a press conference yesterday.
He noted that Padu has successfully transitioned into a dynamic backend engine, with 26 government agencies currently using the platform to streamline their data verification process.
“For this year, the government is fully focused on implementation and expanding Padu’s service offerings to other agencies.
“Current users rely on Padu to cross-check and verify applicant details such as for scholarships, loans or grants.
“The upcoming analytics feature will allow agencies to make highly targeted, data-driven policy decisions,” he said.
Addressing the system’s data integrity following the end of the voluntary public registration period, the minister assured that Padu remains highly dynamic and is continuously updated.
The database currently holds 30.7 million individual profiles, dynamically fed by roughly 600 consistent data points from various government touchpoints.
“Because it is a centralised platform, any agency that needs to verify or analyse data only needs to come to Padu.
“They no longer need to check separately with the Inland Revenue Board, the Social Security Organisation or the Employees Provident Fund,” he said.
When asked if the RM85mil allocated for Padu’s development was well spent, Akmal Nasrullah said the system has already proven its return on investment through massive efficiency gains within the civil service.
“The challenge now is to make sure other agencies understand the significance of these services.
“Based on testimonials, the Youth and Sports Ministry reported that Padu helped reduce the time needed for data verification for their programmes by 20%,” he added.
Akmal Nasrullah also said they are currently evaluating a new application from the Social Welfare Department to utilise the system, which is expected to be approved by April.
“We will not open Padu to the private sector. I don’t think we want to monetise this.
“Our complete focus is strictly on enhancing government services,” he added.
Launched on Jan 2, 2024, by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Padu was introduced as a central repository for citizen data to pave the way for a fairer rollout of targeted subsidies and government assistance.
