PUTRAJAYA: The Central Data-base Hub (Padu) is more than just a tool to record people's income data "for subsidies and assistance", said Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin.
Padu, he said, was an instrument "of the people, by the people for the people", which would present data in near "real time" in a fast-paced world, where mobility was higher than ever.
He said Padu, which had 39 variables, would provide the public a platform to communicate their living situation and expenses to the government.
"This, in turn, enables the government to make better decisions in carrying out programmes and formulating policies," he said.
"Everyone matters. Padu engages the public, providing a platform for people to update their profile and encourage a sense of belonging.
"For instance, an individual may have been healthy last month, but is now bedridden or has more household members after welcoming a newborn baby, resulting in increased expenditure."
Padu would help the government obtain more accurate and up-to-date data on Malaysians' living situations, while also addressing leakages, added Uzir.
He said relying on income as a "benchmark" was inadequate, adding that all aspects must be taken into consideration to ensure that aid would reach the intended targets.
While not overly concerned about the low registration rate, he said updated living details through Padu would provide the government with a better grasp of people's situation.
He said people's data were available in more than 400 databases, "from the cradle to the grave", based on information from birth and death certificates issued by the National Registration Department and other sources.
Uzir said these data, including information on education, income, marital status and property ownership, would be consolidated in Padu to serve as a single reference for the government.
"If we want to ensure an effective distribution of social aid, we must know the cost of living in each area.
"At the Statistics Department, we conduct nationwide price data gathering, including rental rates and food prices.
"So it will not be wise to apply a blanket value to living costs,"
He said although people's data had been integrated into a single system, it would not be available for public viewing in Padu due to security concerns.
Uzir said: "We plan to conduct periodical profile updates for Padu users since people's data may change.
"But it will take a while before people can update their Padu profile after the deadline."
Putra Business School economic analyst Associate Professor Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said the deadline for Padu registration should remain, as extending it would led to those eligible for government aid not receiving it on time.
"So those who have not yet registered must act quickly to avoid missing out on government aid," he said.
He added that the government must intensify efforts to encourage registration.
Razman said: "Efforts should be intensified, especially in high-traffic locations like malls, Ramadan bazaars and mosques."
