KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 — The Central Database Hub (Padu), which collects data on Malaysian citizens for accurate socio-economic measurements, is not governed by the Personal Data Protection Act 2024 (Act 709), Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo clarified today. He explained that Act 709 is designed to regulate personal data processing in commercial transactions, not government-level data like that in Padu.
Despite Padu’s exemption from Act 709, Gobind assured that federal and state governments remain accountable for data handling through other legislations such as the Official Secrets Act 1972. He also highlighted the amendments to Act 709, which include increasing fines for personal data protection violations from RM300,000 to RM1 million, emphasizing the act’s importance in the face of rapid technological advancements.
