Rafizi: Padu Can Help Narrow Fiscal Deficit, Among Others

The Economy Minister said the data in Padu will allow Putrajaya to rationalise subsidies, which will eventually allow the government to optimise its resources and strengthen fiscal sustainability.

The database, which took six months to build, will feature near real-time data that allows for a more accurate data analysis, he said.

“It won’t contain (outdated) data whereby even 10 years after the death of a person the same data is still used,” he said during his speech at the launch of Padu here yesterday.

“Padu will help the government measure the socio-economic standing of the people more accurately based on net disposable income, and help prevent leakages.”

It also takes into account factors such as dependents, household size, cost of living based on location, distance to workplace and assets such as a house, car and land.

“This approach will allow the government to shift from the concept of B40, M40 and T20 but will also look into the rationality of aid disbursements based on the set criteria,” said Rafizi.

He added that while a lot of information has been integrated into the Padu system, each individual will have to update their data involving 39 variables. Users have until March 31, to do so.

On data security concerns, he said all security and data leakage risks have been taken into account.

“The government is cognisant of the cybersecurity concerns among the public. To ensure that the data is safe, a comprehensive standard operating procedure has been put in place,” he said.

Strategic cooperation has been formed with several agencies including the National Cyber Security Agency, the Malaysia Office of the Chief Government Security Officer, CyberSecurity Malaysia, Personal Data Protection Department, and the Communications and Digital ministries, to beef up security, prevent data leaks and protect personal data.

The government has also appointed an independent team of experts who have expertise in several fields to ensure there are checks and balances in the development of Padu and that it possesses the latest and best technological features.

Source Credit: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/03/rafizi-padu-can-help-narrow-fiscal-deficit-among-others