The government will use data from the Central Database Hub (PADU) as the primary reference point for determining eligibility under the upcoming targeted subsidy scheme for RON95 petrol. According to Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, the centralised system is expected to improve the precision and fairness of subsidy distribution.
By leveraging PADU, the Ministry of Finance aims to ensure that only truly eligible individuals benefit from the fuel subsidy, in line with efforts to reduce leakages and better manage public spending. Amir described this initiative as a significant step forward in the country’s approach to targeted aid.
During the Dewan Rakyat session on 4 August, the minister also revealed that nine government agencies have been granted access to PADU data for their respective policy planning and operational needs. The government has positioned the database as a central tool to promote more efficient and effective public service delivery.
It is revealed that PADU currently contains profile information for over 30.4 million individuals. Following the integration of data from more than 200 government agencies, the platform now includes extensive demographic, socioeconomic, educational, and income-related data, as well as records on previous government assistance.
Amir also emphasised that the development and management of PADU adhere to existing legal frameworks, including relevant Acts, orders and circulars, to safeguard data security. The system continues to rely on the expertise of public sector professionals for its upkeep and validation.
It is still undetermined on when the RON95 targeted subsidy programme is expected to roll out. In late July, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil revealed that its implementation has been postponed for further refinements to the delivery mechanism.
(Source: The Star)
