Malaysian Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli stated that the government would not extend the 31 March deadline for registration with the central database hub (PADU) because it would disrupt plans to implement targeted subsidies by the year’s end.
Rafizi explained, “We need to follow the timeline to implement targeted subsidies. If I had more time, I’d have extended (the deadline).” He emphasised that any extension at this point would further postpone the established timeline, according to FMT.
He anticipates that 10 million people will have registered with Padu by 31 March, despite the government’s initial target of 29 million registrations.
This figure represents approximately 50% of the eligible adult population, aged 18 and above. Currently, more than 7.36 million Malaysian citizens, or 35% of the country’s population have registered.
Additionally, Rafizi highlighted that the government is currently subsidising approximately RM2 billion in diesel every month, and any prolongation of delays would extend the duration of these subsidies.
