MCA today asked why the Central Database Hub (Padu), which gathers sensitive public information, is not bound by the Personal Data Protection Act 2024 (PDPA).
Party vice-president Datuk Lawrence Low said this remains a primary concern for the public, and the government must provide clarification on this.
“Since its launch, data security issues surrounding Padu remain a primary concern for the public as the system requires applicants to input various sensitive information.
“To date, perceptions prevail that the government lacks the determination to genuinely strengthen Padu under the PDPA 2024 (Act 709).
“Therefore, the question arises as to what measures the government had undertaken to ensure the security of personal data,” he said in a statement.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo had recently said during the winding-up debate on the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat that the PDPA is only structured to regulate commercial transactions.
“Since diesel subsidies will be distributed through the Budi Madani system, what purpose would Padu serve, if any, and is it still necessary?” asked Low.
“Given an option, the public would certainly prefer not to disclose personal information to Padu if its security cannot be guaranteed, while subsidies can still be distributed without resorting to Padu.
“Let’s not rush to defend mistakes at the expense of compromising public data security,” said Low.
Padu, which encompasses profiles of individuals and households, including citizens and permanent residents of Malaysia, is an integrated national socioeconomic database.
It consolidates data from various government departments and agencies to provide a comprehensive overview of the socioeconomic status of every household in Malaysia.
Gobind clarified that this does not mean the federal and state governments are exempt from liability or responsibility in handling data.
He explained that there are other laws, such as the Official Secrets Act 1972, and circulars that bind officers and public servants, that can be applied. – July 17, 2024
