AT least 7.7 million people in the country have registered with the Central Database Hub (Padu) so far and not a single one suffered any personal information leaks despite repeated cyberattacks, said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
“We have 7.7 million people registered in Padu now, and the number is fast rising. We also found about 2.5 million attempts of cyberattacks to breach Padu, but not a single attempt succeeded.
“Padu has a defence system against data breaches that is solid. The defence system against cyberattacks was devised by independent experts with international expertise.
“Padu is governed and protected by many strict laws too and not even top-ranking government officials have any access to the data,” he said in a statement today.
Rafizi said his ministry will continue with the Padu registration and urged people to trust the system and register soonest so they can benefit from government schemes such as subsidies.
He also commented on the move by the Sarawak government to halt Padu registration until further notice.
Rafizi said his ministry is arranging a briefing with Sarawak state leaders to sort out their worries about Padu.
“We take note of the concerns raised and we will arrange a meeting and briefing very soon with the Sarawak government,” he added.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the federal government respects Sarawak’s decision to halt registration for Padu in the state until further notice.
“The federal government has taken note of the decision by the Sarawak government to halt Padu registration in the state.
“The state has issued directives to this effect already to the people in the state and the federal government has directed the economy minister to look into this matter.
“The minister is expected to meet state government leaders in the next few days,” said Fadillah.
Rafizi assured that the government will always ensure secure data handling, including system security, network and data protecting personal information.
“The information in the Padu system is official government information protected under the Official Secrets Act 1972 [Act 88] and subject to all security protection directives issued by the chief government security officer (CGSO).
“Any action to access, upload, download, alter, add or disseminate any data in Padu without authorisation is a criminal offence and if convicted, could result in imprisonment, fines or both,” he said.
He said all data including computer equipment was protected under the Computer Crimes Act 1997 [Act 563], which generally states that any unauthorised access, or use of any device, information (data) or computer system is an offence.
This includes anyone accessing the system, using, obtaining, uploading or downloading data without authorisation from the Padu system, Rafizi added. – The Vibes, March 26, 2024
