Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has denied that most of the Central Database Hub (Padu) physical counters are closed, amid a looming registration deadline.
He said the ministry had simply switched strategies and is focusing more on proactive field work rather than stationing people at physical counters.
“Padu and the Statistics Department teams have been out in the field since the first week of January.
“Although our initial plan was to set up permanent counters at certain locations, we found it better to open counters at the locality level rather than expecting people to come to the UTCs (Urban Transformation Centres) or Statistics Department offices,” he said during a press conference at his office in Putrajaya.
The minister was responding to Malaysiakini’s report three days ago, which found that information available through Padu’s website only listed a handful of counters as open.
This included counters that were supposed to be opened at UTCs, district offices, Digital Economy Centres, the Statistics Department and selected hotspots across the country.
However, a check on Padu’s website earlier today found that more counters are now being listed as open.
Although the main mode of registration is via the Padu website, the government has opened counters to assist those unable to complete the online registration.
Updating details
As of yesterday, only 18.5 percent or 5.43 million of the 30.08 million individuals who should register their details in Padu have done so.
This includes children whose parents or guardians are meant to register the details on their behalf.
On Thursday night, that number stood at about 16 percent or 4.83 million people.
Padu is meant to function as a centralised database to ensure subsidies are better disbursed, taking into account not only take-home pay but also the individual or household’s financial obligations.
The government said those seeking to receive welfare aid and subsidies must ensure that their details are up to date in Padu by March 31.
On the issue of low registration rates, Rafizi said it is the responsibility of all leaders from lawmakers to village heads to ensure that no Malaysian residents will be left out of any future government programmes.
“In January and February, we received requests from resident associations, people’s representatives, and NGOs for the Statistics Department teams to open counters in their areas or during their programmes.
“During the fasting month, it was better to deploy resources by placing them where people gather rather than waiting for people to go to counters at government offices,” he said.
Rafizi said the existing list of counters has different schedules week-to-week depending on the programmes and bookings that have been made.
“It is inaccurate to imply the counters were closed as if the officers were not working. We simply realised it was more efficient to deploy them on the ground, especially with Ramadan when routines are different.
“That is what is being done now to take advantage of the last two weeks,” he added. - Mkini
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