PETALING JAYA: The statistical data obtained through the Central Database Hub (Padu) is needed to plan government initiatives in an effective way, says the Department of Statistics Malaysia.
In a statement on Wednesday (Jan 10), Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said that the integration of data from 455 agencies and the inclusion of information from 29.8 million residents, Padu becomes an essential centralised hub for the government to efficiently offer aid to those requiring it.
Below is his statement in full:
One of the key responsibilities of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) has been to regularly provide accurate, comprehensive, and impartial statistics. Malaysia's socioeconomic development has advanced significantly thanks to important initiatives like the Population Census and the Household Income and Expenditure Survey, both carried out by DOSM.
The surveys were essential to the creation of the New Economic Policy (NEP), which was the country's first long-term development plan and was implemented from 1971 to 1990. The objective of the NEP, which was to promote inclusive and high-quality development, was accomplished through the reduction of poverty from 49.3% of the population in 1970 to 16.5% in 1990 and as of 2022, the incidence of poverty reduced to 6.2%.
In the 1970s, Malaysia's economic landscape was predominantly agricultural, but the country underwent a successful economic diversification, transitioning from heavy reliance on agriculture to a manufacturing-driven model. This transformative shift highlights the pivotal role played by DOSM, not only in providing essential socio-economic data but also in ensuring comprehensive coverage of economic information nationwide.
DOSM's involvement extends beyond data collection, as it actively contributes to the understanding of Malaysia's economic dynamics. For instance, to measure the country's GDP, which reached RM1.79 trillion in 2022, DOSM conducts economic censuses every five years that covers 1.27 million establishments, supplemented by economic surveys in non-census years.
DOSM has already begun collecting detailed data at the state and district levels in order to provide policymakers with in-depth insights and facilitate a thorough evaluation of development progress throughout Malaysia.
The government has come to the realization that a more targeted and concentrated approach is required as a result of its unwavering commitment to both economic growth and fair income distribution. The crucial solution to addressing this challenge lies in the substantial contribution made by Padu. With the integration of data from 455 agencies and the inclusion of information from 29.8 million residents, Padu becomes the essential centralised hub for the government to efficiently offer aid to those requiring it.
This endeavour holds significance beyond simple data integration; it acts as a fundamental element in reorganising the country to prevent additional leaks, a crucial step that should not be underestimated. The government's decision to prioritise PADU demonstrates a strategic commitment to divert subsidies to the areas where they are most needed, guaranteeing a more effective, efficient, and fair distribution of resources.
In the early stages of the country's development, the government placed a high focus on infrastructure development in an effort to boost economic activity and improve the living standards of the general public.
Building vital components like ports, airports, and highways shows a dedication to improving infrastructure and eventually making business operations easier on a daily basis. This coordinated effort isn't limited to a single industry; it also encompasses the tourism sector, whose objectives are to construct stunning airports, offer first-rate services at immigration checkpoints, and set up effective transit systems to guarantee hassle-free travel for visitors to our magnificent nation.
Simultaneously, the emphasis for government projects has shifted from creating large buildings or other physical infrastructure to prioritizing robust data-related infrastructure, particularly in this digital age. This modification recognizes the urgent need to create systems that can effectively manage and store all pertinent business and personal data, positioning Padu as the focal point of Malaysia's extensive citizen database. Strong security measures are in place at Padu because it has been meticulously planned.
The government's heightened security posture is evidence of its steadfast commitment to safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of citizens' data. At a time when data privacy is a top priority, Padu's emphasis on security is a progressive move. It offers residents comfort in knowing that their data is being handled with the utmost care and security.
The government and the rakyat have become increasingly concerned in recent times about the fiscal deficit. Over the past few years, the fiscal deficit has increased substantially, from RM23.4 billion in 1980 to RM1.079 trillion, a startling 46-fold increase. A portion of the fiscal deficit is allocated for payment subsidies, without considering differences in individual income growth, citizenship status, and practical needs. The initiative led by PADU is a proactive measure to prevent wastage and provide focused aid to individuals who truly require it.
PADU establishes a new benchmark for fair reconstruction and economic aid while prioritizing the welfare of all Malaysian citizens. PADU will be the new benchmark for equitable rebuilding and equitable economic relief for every citizen of Malaysia.
Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin
Chief Statistician, Department of Statistics Malaysia.
