KUALA LUMPUR – The government will ensure that the B80 group, encompassing both the B40 and M40 segments, will be prioritised in the distribution of targeted aid and subsidies.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that the government will also ensure that the issue of eligible recipients missing out on aid will be addressed through the implementation of the Central Database Hub (Padu).
“The principle for this government is ‘for the many, not the few.’ This means we need to bring justice to those who seek it, ensuring fairness for all.
“Economically, the T20 group is already capable.
“When I mention B80, we see it, for example, in the issue of electricity bills. We have stopped providing subsidies to the T15 or T20 groups, but our focus is now on the B80.
“So the government’s principle is not to worry (about) the T20 or the very wealthy who are doing okay.
“For the B80, the government guarantees that we will take care of all citizens who need assistance,” he said.
He made these remarks as a guest on the PodaBoom podcast by Scoop recently.
The podcast was hosted by Big Boom Media group editor-in-chief Terence Fernandez, group chief executive Datuk Zainul Arifin, and group executive director Datuk Ahirudin Attan.
Fahmi, who is also the spokesperson for the unity government, said that data related to the B80 group was obtained following the implementation of the Padu system, which has been a “game changer” in ensuring the aid reaches targeted groups.
“In 2019, I met with the Social Security Organisation (Socso) team in Lembah Pantai. Through their interactions, they informed me that many families eligible for aid were not receiving it because Socso did not have the authority to obtain and coordinate that data.
“But when the cabinet decided to implement Padu, it was the first time in the country’s history that data from over 300 agencies and departments related to aid for the public was consolidated.
“Through this information, we have identified many individuals or heads of households who should be eligible for aid but have never received it due to certain errors – such as not knowing how to fill out forms or obtaining the necessary verification stamps,” he said.
When asked about the ongoing criticism against Padu, Fahmi said it was largely political attacks directed at Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
“If we look at it, the cybersecurity system for Padu is managed by the National Cyber Security Agency and the Statistics Department.
“Since the department has been capable of managing data security under its jurisdiction, I don’t see an issue. Furthermore, every piece of data registered in Padu is encrypted,” he said.
Previously, 17.65 million people, or 58.7% of the population, had updated their information in Padu after registration for the system ended on March 31. – May 21, 2024