Anwar launches Padu database
Published on: Tuesday, January 02, 2024
By:
FMT, Lynelle Tham, Mohamad Fadli
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Padu database will ensure a fairer distribution of targeted subsidies.
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today launched the Central Database Hub or Padu initiative, which is expected to help ensure the efficient delivery of targeted subsidies.
Malaysians are encouraged to register with the Padu database to verify and update their socioeconomic data. The government will open the registration today, for an initial three months for this purpose.
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The system aims to be the most comprehensive database established by the government.
Anwar said this initiative will also ensure a fairer distribution of subsidies, because if the delivery of subsidies was not digitalised in this way, it is the affluent who will end up benefitting the most.
“So, let me ask those who are opposing this (Padu initiative). Who are you trying to defend? The foreigners? The wealthiest?,” he said at the launch at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).
“(We’re not) increasing prices, taxes, or tariffs. (We are) just withdrawing subsidies for the wealthy while continuing other incentives.”
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Anwar added that Padu was in line with the country’s efforts to digitalise its systems and to reduce costs and wastage.
300 types of data
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Padu is slated for integration with MyDigital ID, the national digital identification system, in the future.
Managed by the statistics department, Padu covers nearly 300 types of data under the federal government. Data from state and local governments will eventually be included.
The database will not be integrated with bank information systems as it is illegal under the Financial Services Act.
In a separate speech, economy minister Rafizi Ramli said Padu will enhance the government’s ability to accurately gauge the socioeconomic status of the population and mitigate disparities linked to disposable income.
“This measurement method takes into account the number of dependents and household size; cost of living based on location; distance to workplace; and ownership of assets such as homes, vehicles, and land,” he said.
Rafizi said this approach will allow the government to move away from the conventional B40, M40, and T20 classifications, focusing instead on providing assistance based on well-defined criteria.
He added that there are 39 variables that need updating to improve the targeting mechanism, strengthen delivery channels, and enable more effective programme implementation
“Self-updating will ensure the authenticity of information and data, thus portraying the current status of individuals in Padu,” he said.
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