It’s back. The Pangkalan Data Utama (PADU) socio-economic database, which was supposed to be used in the RON 95 subsidy rationalisation programme mechanism before the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi 95) programme and its RM1.99 a litre pricing appeared on the scene, is making a reappearance.
According to economy minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, the central database hub is set to serve as a critical component in the planned rationalisation of the RON 95 subsidy, the New Straits Times reports. There’s plenty of workable data in it, that’s for sure.
As of last year, PADU was reported to have 30.4 million individual profiles of Malaysians, containing information on demographics, locality, occupation, income, education, vehicle ownership, ‘poverty status’ (status kemiskinan) and the type of assistance one is receiving, all compiled from data shared by 204 government agencies.
Akmal said that the government will be focusing on an evaluation model that considers the actual needs and usage of households rather than relying on blanket income categories. “The evaluation will be based on income, but we are also considering other aspects,” he said. This is to ensure that consumption and other factors are taken into consideration, rather than relying just on traditional household income classifications.
He added that establishing a clear “dividing line” through PADU data would make the transition more acceptable to the public, and allow for a transparent and efficient appeals mechanism for those who feel unfairly excluded.
Yesterday, prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim indicated that the proposal for the rationalisation of RON 95 petrol subsidies was presently being refined and is expected to be finalised soon. Responding to concerns that the move might be unfair to taxpayers in the T20 group, Akmal said the government must balance the need to protect the vulnerable and manage inflation with the necessity of maintaining national development.
He said that while the contributions of high-income earners are fully recognised, a targeted approach is essential for the country’s long-term fiscal health. “We definitely take their contributions to the country into account, but the economy ministry’s stance is consistent: the provision of this assistance must be targeted,” he said.
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