S’wak has reservations
Sheer amount of data required by Padu a concern
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has reservations about the sheer amount of personal information required by the Central Database Hub (Padu), says a state minister.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the matter was discussed in the state Cabinet with a view towards requesting some changes for Sarawak.
“We are not saying we are not supportive, but we have our reservations. If it is with good intentions of course we will support Padu.
“But when it comes to Sarawak, there are some pertinent matters that we want (the Economy Ministry) to clarify and probably certain details that they don’t have to ask for,” he told reporters after launching the 27th Rainforest World Music Festival here yesterday.
Abdul Karim said registering with Padu was akin to exposing all of one’s personal details, including bank accounts, properties and investments.
“I don’t think that is the proper way to treat citizens. All of us have a right to privacy,” he said.
He also questioned the need for Padu as there were already existing systems like ekasih to identify and assist the poor.
As such, he said the Federal Government should not rush into implementing Padu.
“If Padu is meant to help the poor, let the poor register. But don’t go across the board requiring everybody to register,” Abdul Karim said, adding that he was personally against Padu.
Malaysians have until March 31 to register on Padu, which aims to act as a national database of socioeconomic information for every household to allow for data-driven policy and decision-making such as targeted subsidies.
Various concerns have previously been raised about Padu, mainly on security and privacy issues, as well as difficulties in registering.
Tanjung Piai MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng said last month that the public should not be coerced into registering on Padu, while Putrajaya MP Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Jidin said information on debts and loans was too sensitive to be shared.