PETALING JAYA: The claim that with just a MyKad number, anyone can access the data and breach the Central Database Hub (Padu) system, is unfounded, says Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin (pic).
The Statistics Department (DOSM) chief statistician said the data in Padu cannot be compromised as there are security features in place.
He said there is a number of security barriers, which would verify if it is indeed the MyKad owner who is accessing the system.
Mohd Uzir also assured the people that many data banks of government agencies, which were consolidated in Padu, cannot be breached.
ALSO READ : Experts: Padu should have been thoroughly tested
He said this is because agen-cies, such as the Inland Revenue Board or Employees Provident Fund, have laws to abide by before being allowed to share.
“For now, it is about creating user experience as MyKad owners would only be able to access the name and address.
“Should they want to access other data, then they would have to go through the e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer), which requires the upload of MyKad as well as a selfie for verification.
“The reason we have placed the e-KYC after the login or registration is to allow user experience so that people will familiarise themselves with the system.
“Should the e-KYC be placed in front, then people would find it cumbersome to access it,” said Mohd Uzir.
He said Padu currently allows people to input their MyKad number and fill in the necessary details before the e-KYC, but that is a mere draft.
“Only the data, which is verified after the e-KYC, is the one that goes into Padu, not the draft before the e-KYC.
“People need not worry as their data, which we have consolidated from the various data banks of government agencies, is secure and cannot be compromised.
“Should there be someone who has yet to register or unable to register as someone else had registered in his or her place, that number is a small probability and there are avenues to make complaints.
“We had to balance between enhancing user experience as this is a new system and the small probability of abuse involving someone else’s MyKad.
“We understand that there will be bugs as we go live, but we are completely on standby and fixing these little flaws.
“The security of the data is our utmost priority,” said Mohd Uzir.
Meanwhile, former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming wants the system to be suspended until the method it collects data is fixed.
“Refer to my statement,” said Ong, when contacted yesterday, and informed of the explanation given by DOSM.
Earlier, Ong claimed that he was able to register using the MyKad details of others and that Padu should suspend registrations.
“Thank you for your hard work. I really think it’s worth considering turning off registrations at the moment while you guys are fixing the bugs and fixing more robust security protocols,” said Ong on X to a netizen who praised the civil servants in charge of Padu.
