KUCHING:Sarawak is prepared to roll out targeted subsidy assistance from the federal government using data from state agencies instead of the Central Database Hub (Padu).
Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali told the State Legislative Assembly today that the envisioned plan was akin to the state's Covid-19 Sarawakku Sayang special aid.
Hasidah, in a reply to a question from Razaili Gapor (GPS-Beting Maro), said the state government, through relevant entities, including federal agencies in the state, will continue to identify the best mechanism for distributing the targeted assistance to eligible recipients.
However, she said, the state government would hold discussions with the federal government on the best methods to implement the targeted subsidies.
On why the state government had doubts about Padu, Hasidah said the ease of changing an account's password was the database's biggest vulnerability.
She said the password could be easily changed just by using one's MyKad number.
She added that issues involving the security and integrity of personal data could not be taken lightly.
Hasidah also informed the assembly that incidents of cybercrimes involving data breaches have been on the rise in the country, reaching a record high in 2023.
"The main issue related to the implementation of Padu in Sarawak revolves around the security and integrity of our data.
"Cybercrime is increasing annually, especially concerning data misuse. Without robust legislation, the Padu system is vulnerable or exposed."
She said the absence of a legal framework meant that there was no guarantee that Padu was fully protected.
She added that consolidating data of all Malaysians in one central database would require the highest level of security measures.