Padu: No need for excessive information unrelated to one’s financial status, says Abang Jo

SARAWAK Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg feels the Central Database Hub (Padu) should not gather excessive information unrelated to the financial status of the people.

According to reports in Borneo Post, he said the database system lacked justification.

"The people in Sarawak are eager to understand why Padu is requesting so much personal information when registering with the government system.

"If extensive information is disclosed without relevance to financial matters, we see no justification for such in-depth details," he said after attending the State Level Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration at the Al-Muttaqin Mosque here last night.

Abang Johari also said 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.

Under the Personal Data Protection Act, he said there must be a set limit to disclose personal details as this is in line with the laws of the country, in terms of freedom and liberty.

"You have the right not to disclose your well-being, but if it is related to income and the economic situation, then the data is relevant," he said.

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.

However, Abang Johari said he has not received detailed information about the meeting apart from State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki confirming that the federal minister is coming to Sarawak for the matter,

“It depends on when the delegation from the Ministry of Economy will come because YB Rafizi (Ramli) wants to know more about why we asked for Padu to be postponed.

“We also want to get other information (about this Padu system), especially regarding privacy,” he said.

He said the Sarawak government is seeking additional information about the confidentiality of personal data in the registration process for Padu.

Earlier, State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah said the Sarawak cabinet wants a halt to the ongoing registration of denizens in the state for Padu which is overseen and managed by the federal government.

He said there is a need to review the exercise and urged Sarawakians not to participate in it as yet.

"We in the state cabinet discussed this Padu and feel we need to halt this registration,” he said. - The Vibes, March 28, 2024