PENANG Infrastructure, Transportation, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari urged Penangites to register their information in the Central Database Hub (Padu).
In a press conference at the Digital Economy Centre (PEDI) in Balik Pulau, Zairil noted the persistently low registration numbers among Penangites, despite the Federal Government’s recent efforts.
Penang Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) director Khairolnizam Hassan present at the event, reported that only 4.9% of the 1.2 million eligible citizens had registered as of yesterday (Jan 16), totaling 60,388 people.
Zairil attributed the low turnout to public awareness issues, particularly among city dwellers, and cybersecurity concerns.
“As emphasised by the Federal Government, your data and information are safe and secure. There is nothing to be concerned about,” he assured the public.
Highlighting the ease of registration, Zairil shared that in less than five minutes, he was able to register into Padu.
“It is very simple and convenient. Therefore, I encourage those yet to register to do so before the March 31 deadline,” he added.
Additionally, he emphasised the significance of this information for government outreach, aid distribution, and subsidy allocation.
Zairil explained: “With this central database, our data from governmental departments to agencies will be up-to-date, integrated, and synchronised, reducing information overlaps and repetition.”
Responding to the low turnout, DOSM initiated registration counters in all PEDIs within Penang, district offices, Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) Penang, and deployed personnel to carnivals and specific locations within Penang.
During his visit to PEDI, Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau, Zairil expressed satisfaction with the facilities, describing it as more than an internet cafe — a community centre supporting local businesses and providing essential internet access, especially for students from households with limited or no internet access.
Present at the event were Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Penang director Mohd Khairilnaim Osman and Digital Penang chief executive officer Ng Kwang Ming.
Story by Norman Sim
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud