Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said in channelling assistance effectively, information on economic and financial standings are important to determine the targeted subsidies.
"But not to the extent of disclosing or exposing their personal and private profiles which are not necessary in determining the eligibility of the targeted recipients,” she said in a statement today.
The statement came following the Sarawak government’s recent decision to halt the registration process under the Padu scheme 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.
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 need the highest level of security and data protection.
"Clarifications from the Ministry of Economy 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,” she added.
Responding to concerns raised by the Sarawak goverment, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli had said two days ago that he will meet with the Sarawak government this week to discuss the padu registration.
"So far, I understand that the directive to halt the registration applies only to state government officers and personnel.
Rafizi said today that the number of Padu registrations had risen to 7.7 million as of March 24.
"We are optimistic that the figure will continue to rise, potentially hitting or even surpassing 50 per cent by the March 31, 2024 deadline.”
