Why rush for PADU registration? — Jeffrey
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan is deeply concerned by the recent push by the federal government for the comprehensive registration to the the Central Database Hub (PADU). system, especially now when data privacy is considered more important than ever before.
“I am also uncomfortable that Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli’s remarks on this issue has been too assertive, verging on coercive. Therefore, I urge the minister to pause and reassess the strategy,” said Jeffrey who is also Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister.
He added that the four-month window for the registration of approximately 20 million targeted Malaysians to the PADU system is quite alarming and at the same time, puzzling.
“What is the reason behind this rush? Would it not open the system to potential repercussions on data accuracy and security? How prepared is the government to ensure the data will be managed and protected securely with the influx of personal data coming into the system in such a short time? Surely, a more measured and phased approach be more prudent,” he said.
Moreover, the fact that over 65% of Malaysians have yet to register, it shows that there is a profound issue of trust – or rather, the lack thereof, he said.
“I wonder why. Could it be because of the intrusive nature of the data required by PADU? Why does the government need to know who I owe money to and how much? How is this relevant to my eligibility for subsidies?”
He also said there are also more pertinent questions like who developed PADU and how will the data be protected?
“What would happen if the data were leaked? As the eighth most breached nation in the world, I think PADU is the last thing that the government needs to introduce right now. History shows that no data system is impenetrable – even the FBI personnel database was recently hacked,” he reminded.
Jeffrey said he concurred with Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah that there is no difference between PADU and existing systems like e-Kasih or Skim Tunai Rahmah.
“I do not see the necessity of PADU or how it justifies the extensive collection of personal data beyond what is traditionally required by agencies such as the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) or welfare systems. The government’s duty is to serve its citizens, not to delve unnecessarily into their private lives. The protection of individual privacy must be balanced against the benefits of data collection,” he said.
He also asked who will be held responsible if one day, these data are used for other malicious purposes?
KUALA LUMPUR: To ensure the integrity of the Central Database Hub (PADU) and prevent data leaks, the integrity level of officers with data access is evaluated through a security vetting process by the Chief Government Security Officer.
Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said access to data in the system is only allowed for appointed officers and limited to their respective roles.
She said this regulation is part of the standard operating procedures for managing the PADU system.
“An independent group of experts consisting of academics and professionals with expertise in various fields has also been appointed to play a check and balance role in ensuring the effectiveness of the PADU system’s security,” she said when winding up debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Royal Address for the Ministry of Economy in the Dewan Negara today.
She added that the government’s decision to implement geofencing and restrict system access only within the country has also succeeded in reducing PADU security risks.
Meanwhile, she said the government will move towards implementing phase two of PADU, which involves determining target groups and targeted subsidy mechanisms after the updating period ends on March 31.
She said the government’s focus in this last week is to increase the updating of individual and household information, especially in areas identified as at high risk of being left out from receiving government assistance. — Bernama