KUALA LUMPUR, January 2 – Malaysia’s long-awaited Central Database System (Padu) has been officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Managed by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM), Padu serves as the government’s central database system, covering data from 32 million Malaysians. Beyond facilitating targeted subsidies, Padu is designed as a secure, comprehensive national database, supporting data-driven policy formulation and decision-making. Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli reassured the public about data privacy, emphasizing adherence to existing laws governing data ownership and usage within Padu.
Padu’s objectives extend beyond subsidy implementation, focusing on enhancing government efficiency, bridging socioeconomic gaps, and empowering the social system. The system includes profiles of individuals and households, ensuring a near real-time main national database for digitization and analytics. Rafizi emphasized that Padu’s design ensures no changes in data ownership, with individuals aged 18 and above given until March 31 to update their profile information. Developed by civil servants over seven months, Padu incurred minimal costs, approximately RM2 million for hardware. Rafizi commended the dedication of civil servants, highlighting their commitment to national digitization without additional expenses or private entity involvement.
As Padu becomes operational, it marks a crucial step toward more efficient governance and targeted subsidy delivery in Malaysia. The system’s emphasis on data privacy and compliance with existing laws addresses concerns raised by the public. Padu’s role in bridging socioeconomic gaps aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of the people. With the official launch, Malaysians can expect increased efficiency in government services and data-driven policy implementation, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic development.
