PUTRAJAYA: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil dismissed a report alleging that the Central Database Hub (Padu) was developed using outdated methods.
Fahmi, who is the government's spokesman, said the database, jointly developed by the Economy Ministry and the Statistics Department, was crafted with input and advice from various cybersecurity stakeholders.
"The system was developed with input and feedback from several key entities involved in managing the cybersecurity of our nation, including the National Cyber Security Agency and CyberSecurity Malaysia.
"So, I see no problem because, as mentioned by the economy minister during the recent parliamentary session, the data stored within the Padu system is encrypted.
"So even if there is any attempt to steal the data, the data thief cannot open the documents or data because it is encrypted," he said at Bernama's corporate social responsibility event here today.
Fahmi said with additional safety guidelines and measures that have been put in place, he was confident in Padu's safety and security.
"I am confident in the level of security. If I had not, I would not have registered Padu for myself, my wife, my child and my family. So, InshaAllah, Padu is safe."
Earlier, online portal FMT reported that a cybersecurity expert had criticised Padu's system, alleging the use of outdated techniques that could potentially compromise data integrity.
Cybersecurity firm LGMS chief executive officer Fong Choong Fook said companies nowadays frequently use an application programming interface gateway for accessing distributed data.
Fong expressed concerns that adopting such an antiquated approach in Padu's development could lead to data duplication and raise questions about the accuracy and integrity of the stored information.