PUTRAJAYA: The Central Database Hub (Padu) will go live starting today after nearly six months of development and various testing.
Economy Ministry secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron said the system would be open to users to update their information until March 31.
He said updating was crucial to ensure the government has current information and to ensure that no individuals are left out from receiving deserved assistance.
Nor Azmie said this integrated database would serve as a centralised reference containing comprehensive individual profiles, including demographic information and various details such as education, health, received social assistance, and household income.
Regarding the challenges in developing Padu, Nor Azmie noted the presence of several key challenges in terms of both technical aspects and bureaucracy that needed to be addressed.
"In developing Padu, there were indeed challenges and obstacles. There were several major challenges in terms of technical aspects and bureaucracy that needed to be addressed.
"Each database is subject to regulations and relevant acts, leading to difficulties in sharing data between agencies. Some existing databases are more siloed and non-interoperable with one another.
"This situation complicates data sharing and integration, causing the data synchronisation process for Padu to take a considerable amount of time," he said during the launch event of Padu today.
To address these challenges, Nor Azmie said continuous engagement sessions were conducted at various levels.
He added that Memorandums of Understanding were also established with relevant agencies to facilitate data sharing.
Furthermore, Nor Azmie said that the implementation of data integration from each government agency needed to be supported by robust and sustainable legal frameworks for data sharing.
Therefore, he said the Omnibus Act, to be drafted this year, would serve as legislation allowing data sharing and cloud storage among government agencies.
Nor Azmie also emphasised that concerns about security risks and information leaks were frequently raised by various parties.
"Hence, the aspects of data and cyber security are given serious attention through strengthening system development and strategic cooperation with all relevant parties," he said.