IT WOULD be unfair and unjust if the federal government were to give subsidies to individuals only if they are registered with the Central Database Hub (Padu).
Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP) youth chief Datuk Michael Tiang today said it is not right for the government to use Padu to determine who should get subsidies.
"We in the country already have comprehensive data on the income of the rakyat and already know who is in the B40 and M40 categories.
"This data is good enough to determine the actual income status of the rakyat and the government should not force the people to register with Padu," he told reporters in Kuching today.
Tiang, who is also the Deputy State Minister for Housing, Local Government and Public Health defended the move by the state government to halt Padu registration until further notice.
Tiang said state leaders are still worried over possible Padu breaches.
"Such information breaches had happened before where confidential personal data was stolen. Even personal data from the Election Commission and Socso had been breached before.
"We are not convinced that Padu cannot be breached," he said.
On Mar 26, it was reported that at least 7.7 million people in the country have registered with the Padu so far and not one of them had suffered from any personal information leaks despite repeated cyber attacks.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said Padu is governed and protected by many strict laws that not even high-up officials have access to the data.
Yesterday, Sarawak Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said he felt Padu should not gather excessive information unrelated to the financial status of the people.
He said the database system lacked justification and that there should be limits set by the Personal Data Protection Act to safeguard personal information.
"This is to ensure they align with constitutional provisions that protect freedom and liberty," he said, adding that individuals have the right to withhold certain personal details, especially those unrelated to income and economic circumstances.
The premier also said that the Ministry of Economy is expected to meet representatives of the Sarawak government to discuss the issue of Padu registration next week. - The Vibes, March 28, 2024
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