Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli today hinted that the targeted subsidies mechanism being planned by the government may be rolled out in the second quarter of this year.
Addressing the press in Putrajaya, Rafizi said he believed that the government would be able to sort out its Central DataBase (Padu) and other preparations by the first quarter.
"I think in the first quarter, we will sort out the data and prepare so that in quarter two, we are ready to roll," he said when asked to estimate the timeline for government-targeted subsidies implementation.
According to Rafizi, his ministry has submitted a cabinet paper on targeted subsidies mechanism today.
The cabinet will deliberate on the matter and make a decision coming Wednesday, he said.
Rafizi, however, declined to shed more light on what the Economy Ministry is proposing to the cabinet.
Instead, he said the details will have to be decided by the cabinet first before the prime minister makes an official announcement.
"I think the cabinet will be able to decide and the decision to announce should go back to the prime minister."
Meanwhile, during the press conference, Rafizi revealed that Padu registration has reached 1.63 million individuals as of 4pm today.
Putrajaya and Sarawak showed the highest percentage of registration by population - followed by Perlis, Negeri Sembilan, Federal Territory of Labuan and Terengganu.
He said the ministry plans to ramp up Padu registration drive by introducing several intervention initiatives, including getting federal civil servants to register.
Will seek state govts’ cooperation
Rafizi will also visit menteris besar and chief ministers in all states soon to seek the state governments' cooperation in spurring Padu registration in their respective territories.
According to the minister, Padu saw high registration statistics in Sarawak despite its geographical and internet connectivity challenges due to efforts by the state government.
Rafizi also urged those who haven't registered with Padu to do so before the prime minister announces the targeted subsidies soon.
This, he said, was because a surge in registration is expected once the government decides on the subsidies rollout.
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