PUTRAJAYA: A spike in Central Database Hub (Padu) registrations is expected after next week’s Cabinet meeting decides on the mechanism for targeted subsidies, says Rafizi Ramli.

The Economy Minister said the public should not wait till then to register.

“So, I would like to advise the public to register now because there will be a surge in registrations later (after the announcement),” he told a press conference here yesterday.

He said the mechanism would depend on the type of subsidy, the amount, and who is eligible.

“We roughly know what the mechanism is and the target group. What we are attempting to do is to ensure the subsidies reach their target groups.

“We undertook a long process to draw up the programme, especially to ensure that subsidies benefit those they are intended to benefit,” he added.

When asked, he said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will decide when an announcement would be made.

“Once the Cabinet decides on it, it will be up to the Prime Minister to find an appropriate time to announce the forms of targeted subsidies the government will be rolling out,” said Rafizi.

As at 4pm yesterday, 1,638,342 people including children under 18 years old had registered with Padu.

Rafizi said the Prime Minister had told the Public Service Department director-general to ensure that all of the 1.3 million civil servants register with Padu as soon as possible.

“While it is not compulsory, it will be beneficial for civil servants to register so that they will not be at risk of losing out on government programmes.

“I will also be meeting with Mentris Besar and Chief Ministers as well as states’ leadership to get their help and involvement in boosting registrations,” he added.

According to records, 9.8% of Putrajaya’s residents have registered with Padu, followed by Sarawak at 7.5%.

Perlis, Negri Sembilan, Labuan, Terengganu, Sabah, Selangor, Perak and Melaka have recorded registrations above 6%.

Padu registrations are open to the public until March 31, and users can update and verify 30 personal details, including identity card number, household number and residential address.

Padu will act as a national database of socio-economic information for every household in the country, providing regular analytics with a comprehensive store of data updated in near real time.

It is intended to allow for data-driven policy making and decision-making.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/20/rafizi-expects-spike-in-padu-registrations