Malaysia launched its central database hub PADU on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim saying
it will allow the government to streamline aid and subsidy distribution efforts.
At the launch, Anwar spoke of the need to digitise the government’s delivery system, paving the way for fairer distribution of targeted subsidies for citizens in need.
Anwar added that the system will minimize leakages on the 80 billion ringgit (17.3 billion U.S. dollars) spent by the government on aid and subsidy programmes.
The database contains individual and household profiles encompassing citizens and permanent residents in Malaysia.
It aims to provide a comprehensive and near real-time national main database that enables more accurate data analytics to be produced.
It will also provide policy formulation and data-driven decision-making processes, besides enabling targeted policy implementation to balance the fiscal position.
