The National Central Database (PADU) has just been launched at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today, and is thus far the most exhaustive database created by the government. Having taken six months to build, PADU will consist of individual and household socio-economic information of citizens and permanent residents, and will be integrated with MyDigital ID, Malaysia’s national digital identification system in the future.
Aside from being a safe, comprehensive, and near real-time national main database, PADU will help provide more accurate data analytics, and allow data-driven policymaking and decision-making processes. The government has also ensured that the database is protected by a ‘high’ level of cyber security.
As mentioned before, PADU will also be used to implement the targeted subsidy for RON 95 petrol, which will be implemented in the second half of this year (2024). Besides targeted subsidies for petrol, the government is also planning to implement targeted subsidies for electricity as well. The mechanism that will be used to regulate the subsidy will only be announced at some time in the future.
The prime minister mentioned in his speech today that the government acknowledges the criticisms received upon the announcement of PADU. He also emphasised the importance of digitising a delivery system such as this to ensure that subsidies are provided to income groups that truly need it, and to prevent subsidy leakage to undeserving groups such as those who are wealthy.
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The public is given until March 31 to update their details online through the PADU platform. For those living in rural areas or with no internet access, the government is also allowing them to update their info through offline mediums. This includes district offices, village community management councils (MPKK), as well as local authorities.
It is not compulsory for individuals to update their information on the platform. No action will be taken upon those who choose not to do so either. However, it has been mentioned that those who opt out might affect their eligibility for targeted subsidy, and are therefore encouraged to verify the accuracy of the information provided on the platform.
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