Malaysian residents in 4,752 localities have been urged to update their data in the Central Database Hub (Padu) or they might be left out from receiving government assistance.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli pointed out that half of these localities at risk of being excluded from government assistance are in the Klang Valley with 2,274 areas.
“Out of these 4,752 areas, the highest is in the Klang Valley, with Selangor having the most at 1,282 areas not yet covered by existing aid data or Padu.
“(This is) followed by Kuala Lumpur with 992 areas, Sarawak with 765, Sabah (620), Johor (271), Penang (243), Kelantan (228), Kedah (157), Pahang (70), Perak (67), Terengganu (35), Negeri Sembilan (8), Perlis (7), Putrajaya (5) and Malacca (2),” he said during a press conference at his office today.
Rafizi further clarified that the government will detail certain methods to identify those at risk of being left out down to the locality level such as residents of public housing projects, condominiums and apartments.
“This updated scrutiny at the locality level is part of the government's measures to ensure all areas are covered and represented because our intention is to reduce people being excluded,” he added.
Rafizi stressed the government's commitment to implementing granular, localised methods to identify and address those at risk of being excluded from social safety nets, especially in high-density residential areas that tend to fall through the cracks.
As such, he added that rigorous mapping of these communities was a key step in the government’s poverty reduction strategy.
In Kuala Lumpur, Rafizi expressed worry about the non-Malay community in three areas - Seputeh, Segambut and Bukit Bintang - as they have yet to register under Padu.
“Often, non-Malay residents are not aware of the government assistance available.
“The previous approach was that whoever is in need should apply for assistance. Now, there’s an opportunity for everyone to be included in all government programmes.
“I am most worried about the risk of (eligible recipients of government aid) being left out,” he added.
Padu is 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.
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.
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