PUTRAJAYA – The March 31 deadline for citizens to register their details on the government’s Central Database Hub (Padu) is necessary to pave the way for the implementation of targeted subsidies, said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
Noting that Padu was developed for national interests, Rafizi said that pushing the deadline back any further will delay fiscal consolidation plans proposed by the Madani government.
“Our responsibility (with) Padu is to provide the best insight into our nation’s socioeconomic household standing by the (March 31) deadline as the government needs the data before it can make any decisions on targeted subsidies’ rationalisation,” Rafizi told a press conference today.
“You have to see the data readiness (before implementing targeted subsidies), which is why targeted subsidies have been difficult to implement in the past.”
“We understand that while there are concerns, this (Padu) is in the nation’s interest. As it is, the timeline is extremely ambitious, but we must go through with it.”
The Padu initiative, launched on Tuesday, aligns with the government’s digital transformation as it provides a central repository for equitable access to government services and financial aid.
Besides ensuring subsidies go to the targeted groups, the system is intended to serve as the government’s primary reference for structuring and implementing programmes or policies aimed at promoting the well-being of the people.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that his administration would be prioritising targeted subsidies as the government wants them to only benefit the deserving groups while avoiding leakages.
He added that current subsidies for fuel, chicken and electricity are also enjoyed by the super-rich and about 3.5 million foreigners in the country while some are lost to smuggling activities. – January 4, 2024