THE Sarawak government will discuss with the federal government on the implementation of targeted aid to eligible Sarawakians.
Deputy Minister in the Premier Department (Law, MA63, and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said this is crucial to ensure the interests and data of the people are protected.
“The state government, through relevant agencies including federal agencies in Sarawak, will identify the best mechanisms for targeted assistance distribution to eligible recipients among the people of Sarawak to ensure that no Sarawakian is left out from receiving aid.
“In fact, we are ready to implement targeted subsidy assistance from the federal government using existing data from agencies in Sarawak, similar to how we implemented the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS),” he said in reply to Razaili Gapor (GPS-Beting Maro) during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.
Earlier, Razaili had asked on the federal government’s Central Database Hub (PADU) as a mechanism for implementing targeted aid programmes to the people and what the plans and strategies of the Sarawak government were for implementing to aid to eligible Sarawakians.
Hasidah said the issue of data security and integrity of the people cannot be taken lightly.
“Cases or incidents related to cybercrime involving data breaches have increased, with the highest record in 2023, particularly related to data misuse. Without strong laws, the PADU system is vulnerable or exposed.
“So, the lack of legal framework implies that there is no guarantee that the system is fully protected.
“A consolidation of data of all Malaysians in one central data base would have to be equipped with the highest level of security. For instance, the most talked-about flaw was the used password fro PADU account can be changed easily just by using one’s IC number,” she said.
In this regard, she said, the state government will hold further discussions with the federal government to obtain clarification on the implementation of PADU security and protocols to ensure the protection of individual data.
“At the same time, the Sarawak government through the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) will continue to oversee and monitor the governance of cyber security and data for the public and private sectors and Sarawakians in general. This is to ensure the protection of everyone’s data and information.
“The state government will also ensure that information and data for targeted aid to all Sarawak agencies will comply with governance and cyber security measures to protect the personal data of the people,” added Hasidah.
