THE MALAYSIAN government’s chief statistician has sought to allay concerns about the fragility of the personal and financial information of citizens received and stored in the Central Database Hub (Padu), and has given his assurance that the data will not be compromised.
Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said that the system, managed by the National Digital Department (JDN) which is an agency under the Prime Minister's Department, is guaranteed to ensure safety and confidentiality of information against leaks so far.
He was reported as saying that in the event of any undesired incident, Padu, through the Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), is prepared to handle it according to stipulated procedures.
"I urge everyone to take the opportunity to update Padu and not wait until the last moment. This Padu information will help the government plan future programmes," he was quoted as saying by Bernama during a visit to the Padu counter at Arau in Perlis.
Mohd Uzir also said that a total of 1,006 Padu counters have been opened in Perlis since January 2.
They include undertaking of joint programmes with the community and the Digital Economic Centres.
"Mobile counters are also open at 101 mosques, especially on Fridays," he said, adding that Padu registration in Perlis had increased to 80,000 people as of Friday.
Meanwhile, the Department of Statistics issued a reminder today that the deadline for all citizens to register and update their information in the system by the end of this month is fast approaching.
“It is not too late for you all to update your information before March 31, 2024 to ensure that you belong to the group of people who receive assistance if eligible.
“Updating Padu information can be done through the Padu portal or visit a nearby Padu counter,” it said on its Facebook account.
Last Friday, Sarawak state minister Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah had expressed the state government’s apprehensions about Padu, and called for a review of the registration and information gathering exercise.
He also urged Sarawakians not to participate in the information disclosure as yet.
"Why is the federal government wanting all citizens to bare naked all their personal information on bank accounts, properties, income, et cetera?” he said.
"These are personal confidential details that should not be shared. The state government wants a review.”
Responding to the grouses, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli yesterday said that the government has no intention of extending the deadline for the registration.
The Star reported him as saying that it is crucial to conclude the exercise on the set date so that the government can implement the restructuring of planned and targeted subsidies.
“Extending (the deadline) will cost the government an additional RM2 billion per month in fuel subsidy,” he was quoted as saying.
Rafizi also said that he will have a meeting with the Sarawak government on the matter this week.
He described Abdul Karim's assertion that citizens are being made to "bare naked" their personal and financial information as the state minister's "personal opinion".– The Vibes, March 24, 2024
