In the view of former deputy international trade minister Ong Kian Ming, the newly launched Central Database Hub (Padu) should be put on hold until all issues related to the database hub are resolved.
He highlighted one major flaw of Padu, which is the way it collects information.
Ong pointed out that those receiving Bantuan Tunai Rahmah (BTR) may not provide accurate information, as they may have other untaxed sources of income such as rental income and land.
“And another question is why so many of these columns are not filled in as Padu should have consolidated data from a number of ministries and agencies,” Ong stated in a release on Wednesday (Jan 3).
Regarding Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli’s statement after the database launch, where he cited security concerns as the reason for not displaying information, Ong questioned the need for personal information if it is already available through the ministries and agencies.
“Padu’s requirement for additional data risks encouraging the public from giving accurate information to stay eligible for government subsidies,” Ong said.
Ong also raised a major security issue with the registration of Padu, noting that it could be done with just the MyKad number and user’s address without having to go through the electronic Know Your Customer (E-KYC) process.
“I am highlighting the flaws in Padu and hope it will be rectified before the next Parliamentary sitting, to prevent the Opposition making it a point of political debate,” he added.
Padu, which was inaugurated by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday (Jan 2), has been hailed as the most comprehensive database established by the government, with the system purportedly containing detailed individual and household profiles of all citizens in the country.
One of its primary objectives is to assist the government in delivering targeted assistance, with accumulated federal subsidies for petrol reaching hundreds of billions, more than half used by high or upper middle-income earners.
