The Central Database Hub (PADU) has been successfully launched today by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at an event in Putrajaya today.
The event, which was held at PICC Putrajaya, saw many of the current members of the cabinet in attendance, such as Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, newly appointed Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, and deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
According to Anwar, the PADU central database is in line with the government’s continuous effort to digitalise its systems and reduce cost and wastage.
PADU will also help in the government’s attempt at retargeting subsidies, ensuring that the distribution of subsidies are done in the fairest manner possible.
“Generally, according to studies, the amount needed to help the poor, especially in villages and remote areas, can reach RM22 billion. However, studies have shown that not all of the amount reaches the targeted groups,” said Anwar in his speech.
He also stated that however, the government spends almost RM80 billion in subsidies, which is not sustainable.
“If all the money spent goes to the people, that will be one thing. However, we also know that there are 3.5 million non-Malaysians that are benefitting as well,” he said.
The Prime Minister also became the first person to register himself in PADU; announcing that registrations are now open at the PADU official website, which can be found here. The first 3000 Malaysians to register themselves in the PADU central database will also get a free Touch n’ Go NFC card, which can be redeemed at the PADU registration counter at PICC, until 5PM today.
While the government are very excited for PADU and what it might bring, there are some Malaysians who have raised questions regarding the security concerns that PADU might have, which is partly fueled by the many data leak fiascos that has happened in the past.
Some even believe that in the future, PADU will devolve into an Orwellian Big Brother surveilling system to ensure that the Malaysian public’s obedience and subservience.
However, Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh has stated that the public should not worry about the security of PADU, as it is regulated by existing laws, such as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
