DAP Sabah was forced to stop its data collection initiative after allegations of improper management of personal information and pressure from political opponents.
The controversy began when Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) vice president, Gee Tien Siong, accused the DAP Luyang constituency office of collecting sensitive personal details, including identity card numbers, bank account information, and employment records, without proper documentation or transparency.
Applicants were reportedly asked to photocopy blank forms that lacked official letterhead or logo, raising doubts about their legitimacy and concerns over data security.
“The absence of verifiable documentation raises the risk of data misuse and fraud,” Gee said, urging authorities to investigate.
He also questioned the political motives behind the initiative, pointing out that it was conducted only in the Luyang constituency.
Chan Loong Wei, who is the political secretary to Luyang assemblyman Phoong Jin Zhe, said that the data collection operations would be halted immediately following the accusation.
Chan said the initiative was aimed at helping people access financial aid under the SMJ Secretariat but admitted that it had led to “unnecessary questions” and risked being “politicised.”
“To ensure transparency, all collected information will be handed over to the SMJ Secretariat, and no personal data will be stored by our office,” Chan said, emphasising that the decision was made to avoid further controversy.
He added that DAP Luyang would now only guide applicants to the official website for financial aid registration without collecting any personal information.
The public is advised to apply for financial aid through the official website: https://padans.sabah.gov.my.
It could not be ascertained whether consent was given by the individuals to have their personal information collected, but under Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) 2010, explicit consent is required for collecting personal information. - February 28, 2025
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