Padu registration halted: Sarawak supports but wants cautious implementation

The Sarawak government supports the federal government’s intention to introduce the Central Database Hub (Padu) but advised that the programme be implemented cautiously.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said in channelling assistance effectively, information on economic and financial standings is important to determine the targeted subsidies.

“But not to the extent of disclosing or exposing their personal and private profiles that are not necessary in determining the eligibility of the targeted recipients,” Sharifah said in a statement today.

The statement came following the Sarawak government’s recent decision to halt the registration process under Padu in the state pending improvements to its implementation.

“The Sarawak government, in principle, supports the noble intention by the federal government to ensure that government resources to aid Malaysians are channelled effectively, but caution must be given to its implementation,” she said.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali

She said the concerns expressed by the Sarawak government and the public in general are valid as cases regarding data breaches, leaks, and seams are rampant nowadays, while a consolidation of personal data of all Malaysians in one central database needs the highest level of security and data protection.

“Clarifications from the Economy Ministry on the matter regarding its security implementation and protocols is pertinent in order for the Sarawak government to fully support the federal government’s initiative as it also needs to protect Sarawakians' interests,” Sharifah added.

Responding to concerns raised by the Sarawak government, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli was quoted as saying that he will hold a meeting with the Sarawak government this week to discuss the registration for the Padu.

This he said, was following the directive by the state government to suspend the process of registering and updating the Padu.

“So far, I understand that the directive to halt the registration applies only to state government officers and personnel.

“We have contacted the Sarawak government, and next week (this week), the Economy Ministry will sit down to discuss this matter with them,” he told a press conference after attending the Padu town hall session in Shah Alam two days ago.

- Bernama