KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Central Database Hub (PADU) should not collect unnecessary information that is unrelated to citizens’ financial status, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said there should be limits under the Personal Data Protection Act to safeguard citizens’ privacy rights, aligning with constitutional provisions that uphold freedom and liberty.
“Those who are in that category (B40) should be given assistance, but there is concern among the people about the registration of PADU.
“You have the right not to disclose your personal information on your wellbeing. However, if it is related to income and your economic situation, then of course the data is more relevant,” he said when met by reporters after attending the state-level Nuzul Al-Quran recital at the Al-Muttaqin mosque here last night (Mar 27).
Furthermore, Abang Johari said the Ministry of Economy is expected to meet with the representatives of the Sarawak government to discuss the issue of registration of PADU in the coming week.
However, he said he has not received further information about the meeting beyond the confirmation from State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki on the federal minister’s visit to Sarawak for this purpose.
“It depends on when the delegation from the Ministry of Economy will come to Sarawak, because Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli wants to know why Sarawak requested for PADU to be postponed.
“We also want to obtain other information about the system, especially concerning privacy,” he added.
On Tuesday (Mar 26), Rafizi reportedly said that ministry officials would hold a meeting with the Sarawak government to discuss matters on PADU.
This followed a directive addressed to district and administrative officers in the state against registering for PADU, which went viral on social media.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali in a statement on Mar 25 said the Ministry of Economy must clarify the protocols and ensure that data collected will not be leaked in order for the Sarawak government to fully support PADU, as it also needs to protect Sarawakians’ interests.
