Minister defends new Budi database, explains difference with Padu

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has defended the setting up of the Budi Madani database for diesel subsidy recipients, in addition to the existing Central Database Hub (Padu).

He explained that while Padu contains information on household income, targeted subsidies, such as the upcoming diesel cash aid, will be disbursed based on individual recipient data in Budi.

“The difference is that Padu is very much focused on a household basis, and the decision, at least for diesel when we start, is to give (subsidies) to individuals because diesel coverage is not as widespread as RON95 petrol,” he said to reporters.

He was asked to respond to critics who consider the two databases as redundant.

The minister’s remarks come as the government works to refine its data ecosystem to allow targeted aid to reach deserving recipients accurately and efficiently.

Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry announced that over 30,000 applicants comprising farmers and small-scale cultivators were approved to receive cash aid under Budi.

According to Bernama, in the first tranche of payouts, each recipient will get RM200 which will be directly credited into their bank accounts.

Those without a bank account can claim the cash over the counter by producing their MyKad at any Bank Simpanan Nasional branch across Peninsular Malaysia.

The disbursements are part of the government’s aim to cushion rising costs for critical agricultural sectors and ensure food security.

Filling gaps in data

Last week, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Budi registration drive aims to fill gaps in the Padu database.

The minister explained that Budi serves as an alternative for individuals who missed the March 31 deadline to register on Padu.

Previously, PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden questioned the need to sign up for Budi.

This is because Malaysians were earlier told to register on Padu for subsidies, the Alor Setar MP pointed out.

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